Welcome to the Public Art Department 

The City's Public Art collection is made up of 70 permanent and 71 developer artworks. It includes artworks found in our library, parks, community centers and shopping centers. Take a virtual tour of the City of Palm Desert's Public Art.

The City of Palm Desert maintains the public art through ongoing routine maintenance as well as repair and restoration work. Please let us know if you see an artwork that needs maintenance or repair.

History

In 1986, the City of Palm Desert was the first in Riverside County to adopt a public art ordinance, requiring developers to either place City-approved art as part their development or pay a fee to the Art in Public Places fund. In addition, the ordinance also requires that public buildings participate in the program.

The percent for art program funds are used to purchase art for placement throughout the community. The developer collection includes artworks found in our hotels, housing communities and business plazas.

Mission

"The Art in Public Place Program provides for the integration of artworks throughout the City in public and private developments to enrich the built and social environment. Public art is one method of ensuring that the vital experience of the City is enriching and engaging." -AIPP Guidelines

El Paseo Sculpture Exhibition

The City of Palm Desert's exclusive, biennial exhibition brings together eighteen (18) unique works of art from local, national, and international artists for display on the median along the upscale El Paseo shopping district. Click here to take a Virtual Tour of the 2025/26 El Paseo Sculpture Exhibition.

City of Palm Desert Inaugural Palm Desert Poet Laureate

Mayor Kelly and the Palm Desert City Council are proud to announce Lori Davis as Palm Desert's Poet Laureate. The role of Poet Laureate is to elevate the literary arts and foster creative expression within the City. This prestigious appointment reflects the City's commitment to promoting culture and creativity as vital elements of our vibrant community. Click here to learn more about the Poet Laureate.