We are agents and advocates for public art.

Njaimeh Njie, The Village, part of Homecoming: Hill District, USA, 2016–2019.

Projects & Programs

FEATURED PROJECT

JADED

This public programming series by artist Lena Chen and the Jaded Collective celebrates the art and culture of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

FEATURED PROJECT

Songs From the Stone Hoop

This CD of original ceremonial music composed by artist, musician, and spiritual leader Miguel Sagué Jr. of the Taíno tribe serves as the foundation for sacred Indigenous ceremonies worldwide.

FEATURED PROJECT

Nine Mile Run Viewfinder

A portal for seeing, hearing, and smelling the waterway beneath our feet, this artwork by Ginger Brooks Takahashi brings attention to the connections between Nine Mile Run, the stormwater and sewer systems, the Monongahela River, and the water we drink.

We believe art builds community and increases social connection.

Events & Opportunities

FEATURED OPPORTUNITY

Pittsburgh Creative Corps Call for Artists

The Pittsburgh Creative Corps is open to all artists living and working in southwestern Pennsylvania, including those working in visual arts, literary, performance, and other forms of practice. The application deadline for spring review is Monday, March 11, 2024 at 11:59 PM EDT.

FEATURED EVENT

Performance + Public Space with slowdanger

Thursday, February 29 | 4 – 5:30 PM ET

Join slowdanger during this session of Winter Intensive to learn about their process-based practice and the significance of performers activating public spaces.

FEATURED EVENT

Performance + Public Space with Madame Christiane Dolores

Thursday, March 7 | 4 – 5:30 PM ET

As a Winter Intensive guest, Madame Dolores will address critical questions around the planning of performances in public spaces, organizations inviting performance artists, and fair compensation.

We work at the convergence of public art and civic design.

Featured Publications

Add Value Add Art

This guide outlines various project types and best practices for artist selection, budgeting, contracts, and more, and is a valuable resource for both public and private entities.

Temporary Public Art and Placemaking Report

In 2015,OPA and Neighborhood Allies launched a new partnership that resulted in the creation of the Temporary Public Art and Placemaking initiative.

Artist Residency Resource Guide

For organizations that would like to develop an artist in the public realm residency, as well as for artists who are interested in initiating their own collaborative projects in the public realm.

Pittsburgh Artists Working in Community

This case study explores how we have used the Aesthetic Perspectives framework to develop and evaluate our Artist Residencies and Civic Engagement Programs.

News

Shiftworks News

January 8, 2024 in News, Press Releases

Office for Public Art is now Shiftworks Community + Public Arts

The newly established 501(c)(3) organization will continue its mission of catalyzing change through community-engaged artist projects in public space.
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October 4, 2023 in News, Press Releases

Office for Public Art’s Public Art Training Camp Series Returns October 26, 2023

Public Art Training Camp will be held on Thursdays from October 26 through December 7, 2023. This six-week series is designed to empower artists and cultural workers wanting to enter…
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News from the Field

February 16, 2024 in News, News from the Field, Uncategorized

Art. Works. Shifting Expectations For What Is Possible

In this blog post from Rivers of Steel, Sallyann Kluz and Ashley Anderson of Shiftworks reflect on how the organization collaboratively shapes public space through the arts.
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