From the artisan craftsmanship of the historic Missions, to architectural details downtown, and the world-famous River Walk - San Antonio is  a place where great art and great people meet.

As recently as 1996, the City founded its public art program with the goal of establishing a lasting process that supports the tradition of public art services and enhancements that contribute so much to the community's cultural and historical sense of place.

For many years the public art program operated under the name "Design Enhancement" under the Public Works Department. However in 2008, the program was reorganized with the creation of the Capital Improvements Management Services (CIMS) Department, which collectively manages all citywide capital projects. Under CIMS, the public art program has increased its capabilities needed to address the 2007-2012 Bond Program, as well as the International Airport Expansion and other downtown projects like Main Plaza. In partnership with other CIMS divisions and client departments, the staff serves citywide public art managemetn and administrative needs, as well as coordination efforts with outside partners and agencies, including TxDOT, Bexar County, San Antonio River Authority, San Antonio River Foundation, and many others.

The year 2009 marked a new beginning with several implementation steps driven by the City's first ever comprehensive public art master plan (a strategic objective of The Cultural Collaborative) and the CIMS public art program subsequently re-launched under the name “Public Art San Antonio (or, "PASA)”. This same year the City Council established a seven-member, Mayor appointed, Public Art Board staffed by PASA, which will set in motion more improvements in the future.

San Antonio's success has led to an increase in opportunities for public art that will ultimately improve our cultural identity, stimulate our economy, and bring neighbors together.  

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