Public Art in Oro Valley
Oro Valley is proud of the public art that adorns entryways, trails and buildings in our community.
The purpose of the Town’s public art requirement is to enhance our community’s beauty and enrich the cultural and educational experiences of citizens and visitors in Oro Valley.
Public art is a required element for all new non-residential and public development projects in Oro Valley.
Oro Valley Art Tour
The Town of Oro Valley is excited to announce that in person art tours are available February to July 2025. Tours will be offered free of charge and guides will offer post-tour surveys to gather information about the tour experience and future tour pricing.
For those interested in joining the in person art tours, register here.
Registration and ADA accommodation
Tours will be conducted in Arizona Winery’s 14-passenger busses. Although the AZ Winery busses are not ADA accessible, the Town of Oro Valley complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and arrangements have been made to accommodate guests of all abilities, upon request. If your or your companion need ADA accommodations, please do not register online for your tour. Instead, please call our Community and Economic Development staff at 520-229-4800 to book your tour.
Virtual Tour of Public Art
Experience Oro Valley’s vibrant public art scene with the Explore OV app! Our interactive map lets you discover each piece of artwork, its location, and details about the artist and medium used. Download the app to explore the town’s art at your own pace, whether you're at home or on the go.
1% for Public Art Program
In 1997, the town established a 1% for Public Art Program, which requires that commercial developers set aside one percent of a projects total budget for the creation of public art. By passing the public art mandate, Oro Valley signaled an ongoing commitment to create beautiful surroundings that enhance the quality of life for all who live, work and play in the town. Developers and businesses are key to the 1% for Public Art Program. Check back often as our collection is cataloged and new projects are added.
Public Art Review and Approval Process
There are three stages of review for Public Art projects in Oro Valley. Prior to initiating the first stage, the public art budget must be approved by the Town and the artist selection must be completed. The Town’s building official reviews and approves all preliminary estimates for building permit valuations used as the basis for determining the public art calculation for the project.
Outside assistance with artist selection is available from the following agencies: