Today more than 350 communities across the country offer formal public art programs. Arts Advocate Jim Kelley explains in The Case For Public Art,  “The benefits of public art are multi-faceted. Research and experience have shown that public art increases the livability, walkability and desirability of neighborhoods and cities, which in turn, drives local economy, tourism, health, safety and more resources for better quality of life.” Huntsville’s investment in public art includes Geode, the city’s first commissioned sculpture, as well as The Bench Project, featuring work by area students in creative, utilitarian benches throughout Madison County.

In December 2010, Huntsville will also launch SPACES, a community-wide sculpture tour, and efforts to develop a formal, ongoing public art plan for Huntsville/Madison County continue through The Arts Council’s Create Huntsville initiative. For more information on public art in Huntsville, contact The Arts Council at (256) 519-ARTS.