San Antonio Celebrates 30 Years of Public Art Ordinance with 457 Works Citywide
The 30th anniversary of San Antonio's Public Art Ordinance is being commemorated by the Department of Arts & Culture, which has resulted in 457 public artworks since its initial adoption in 1996, its repeal in 1997, and its reinstatement in 2011. This year, funding has risen to 1.5% of qualified capital project budgets. Among the notable pieces are 'Tribute to Freedom' by George Schroeder, 'Torch of Friendship' by Enrique Carbajal, and 'Spheres of Reflection' by Kaldric Dow. Despite facing obstacles, the 2011 ordinance strengthened the program. Voters approved increased funding in 2022, and a 2023 update introduced community art processes. New installations this year include Dow's 'Heirlooms: Eastside Pride' and Diana Kersey's 'Creatures of the Creek' on May 30. Krystal Jones remarked that public art is "part of San Antonio's DNA."
Key facts
- San Antonio's Public Art Ordinance is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
- The city has 457 public artworks commissioned and cared for by the Department of Arts & Culture.
- The ordinance was first adopted in 1996, rescinded in 1997, and reinstated in 2011.
- In 2022, voters approved a bond increasing public art funding to 1.5% of eligible capital project budgets.
- Notable artworks include 'Tribute to Freedom' by George Schroeder, 'Torch of Friendship' by Enrique (Sebastián) Carbajal, 'F.I.S.H.' by Donald Lipsky, 'El Papalote' and 'El Trompo' by Joe R. Villarreal, 'Spheres of Reflection' by Kaldric Dow, and 'Stargazer (Citlali)' by Pedro Reyes.
- The city launched an online database of its art collection in April 2026.
- New works in 2026 include 'Heirlooms: Eastside Pride' by Kaldric Dow and a mural of Robert 'Pikin' Quiroga by Mike 'Comp' Arguello.
- Diana Kersey's 'Creatures of the Creek: A Fragile Balance' will be unveiled on May 30.
- The program uses SASpeakUp surveys and inclusive artist selection panels for community engagement.
- Krystal Jones is the Department of Arts & Culture Director.
Entities
Artists
- George Schroeder
- Enrique (Sebastián) Carbajal
- Sebastián
- Donald Lipsky
- Joe R. Villarreal
- Kaldric Dow
- Pedro Reyes
- Diana Kersey
- Bernice Williams
- Doroteo Albert Garza
- Mike 'Comp' Arguello
- RHYS
- René Paul Barilleaux
- Daniel Fuller
- Chris Packham
- Krystal Jones
Institutions
- City of San Antonio Department of Arts & Culture
- Glasstire
- National Center for Civil and Human Rights
- San Antonio Arts Commission
- University of Texas at San Antonio
- Public Art San Antonio (PASA)
- Public Art Board
Locations
- San Antonio
- Texas
- United States
- Lackland Air Force Base
- U.S. Route 90
- River Walk
- Museum Reach
- Martin Luther King Park
- Pearsall Park
- Brackenridge Park
- Mulberry Street bridge
- San Pedro Creek
- Westside
- Atlanta
- Mexico City