An Update on Public Art by the Arts Council

The Greater Augusta Arts Council and Public Art Advisory Panel recently presented an update before the Richmond County Commission and Mayor (Nov 3, 2026) on its work as the City of Augusta’s designated Public Art Agency, highlighting nearly a decade of projects, partnerships, and initiatives that have helped expand public art throughout the community.

Since the adoption of the 2017 Public Art Master Plan, the Arts Council has worked with local artists, City departments, businesses, and community organizations to bring public art into neighborhoods, parks, public spaces, and community events. Projects include the Augusta Sculpture Trail, Bots on Broad, murals, digital trails, and student-led initiatives.

The Augusta Sculpture Trail has grown from 10 temporary sculptures at its 2021 launch to 18 works today. The Arts Council recently presented three proposed purchases; “Pale Flame” by Joe Schairer, “Hearts at Play” by Melinda Hoffman, and “Crescendo” by Joe Spiczka, as well as two donations including “Nitrogenous” by Hanna Jubran and a “Princess Augusta” sculpture designed by Augusta native Allie Haskell-Hansen. This would bring the Trail to 23 installations in 2027. Other highlights include public art installations at Phinizy Nature Park, Pendleton King Park, and the Kroc Center, as well as the 5^th Street Mural Project and iconic James Brown “Spirit of Funk” Mural in Downtown Augusta, Ga.

Beyond sculptures and murals, the Arts Council manages two “local artists only” exhibition spaces: The City Gallery and the Augusta & Co. Gallery. They also offer seasonal public art experiences, including Promenade & Paint and the Augusta Sculpture Trail Guided Tour, as well as free self-guided tours through Otocast, OpenTour and Bandwango; connecting residents and visitors with Augusta’s creative landscape.

“These last several years I’ve been working with the Arts Council have really opened my eyes to the amount of work that has been done over the last decade. For public art, especially. And there is still so much more to do.” said Heather Dunaway, Gallery and Public Art Director with the Greater Augusta Arts Council.

For more than 55 years, the Greater Augusta Arts Council has supported local artists and expanded access to arts and culture throughout Augusta’s River Region. Through its exhibitions, programs, festivals, and public art initiatives, the Arts Council creates opportunities for artists, encourages community engagement, and makes art an accessible and visible part of everyday life in the CSRA.

To learn more about the progress, visit augustaarts.com.