Donor-Initiated Public Art

Public art provides social, cultural and economic benefits to the community; enhances the quality of life of residents; and promotes tourism. Public art is artwork that is owned by the City and located on City property to be viewed and enjoyed by the public, often as a form of collective community expression. 

The City's Donor-Initiated Public Art Application is for individuals and/or organizations who:

  • Wish to install donated artwork on City property, and;
  • have applicant-specified criteria for the public art, such as location, artwork, artist or theme

All applicants must review the below City of Manhattan Donor-Initiated Public Art Policy prior to submitting an application. Applicants must submit an application complete with required attachments. As a condition of approval, the artist, donor and/or applicant must negotiate and execute a contract with the City to implement, complete and/or fund the proposal.

Application Process

Once a complete application is received, City staff has up to 30 days for technical feasibility review. If deemed technically feasible by City staff, applicable City Advisory Boards have up to 60 days from the date of application to review. The proposed project will be scheduled with the City Commission within 60 days of Advisory Board action. The City Commission may consider artistic factors when considering a proposed project. The City Commission has the full authority to approve or deny any project. View the Process Flowchart (PDF).

APPLY HERE
FLOWCHART
POLICY

Donor-Initiated Public Art Projects

  1. Sunset Zoo WPA Mural
  2. Sunset Zoo Expedition Asia Sculptures
  3. Douglass Center Historic Sculptures
  4. Flint Hills Discovery Center Bison Sculpture
  • Donor: Sunset Zoological Park and Wildlife Conservation Trust
  • Artist: Phyllis J. Pease
  • Location: Sunset Zoo, Expedition Asia Leopard Viewing Area 
  • Project Completion: 2022

The Works Progress Administration, known as the WPA, was created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt  in 1935 as part of his New Deal plan. It was an ambitious employment and building program established during the bleakest years of the Great Depression. Jobs were created for workers and public building projects, including Sunset Zoo, were completed. The stone pillars in this viewing area were the result of the WPA work force. The mural tells the story of the men and women who came together to construct the Sunset Zoo.

WPA Finished Mural Photo