City revives Visual Art in Public Places Program after 16-year hiatus

By Paso Robles Press · Wed Feb 18 2026

Unanimous vote revives funding initiative dormant since 2009, citing tourism impact and strong community backing

PASO ROBLES — The City of Paso Robles is welcoming back its Visual Art in Public Places program, funding local art installations throughout the city. Council unanimously approved the decision during the Tuesday, Feb. 17, City Council meeting.

The city's public art program has been inactive since 2009 as a result of the Great Recession, according to staff. Since then, the community has given its support for expanding public art.

Recreation Program Coordinator Wyatt Lund said, "Public art enhances community identity, supports local artists, and increases tourism, reduces blight like graffiti, vandalism, and litter, and it helps activate public spaces."

Public art was identified as a city priority in the 2003 General Plan as a key element of placemaking, leading to the creation of the Public Art Fund in 2005, which required eligible capital projects to dedicate 1% toward public art and placed oversight with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. The last Art in Public Places expenditure occurred in 2009, with a 2018 amendment formally placing the ordinance on hold and leaving the program inactive. Since 2012, only limited projects have moved forward, and as of fiscal year 2025 the fund balance remained at $700, with recent installations such as the Norma’s Way archway in 2019 and two temporary sculptures in 2024 requiring special processing due to the lack of a formal program.

According to staff's report, the Economic Impact of the Arts & Culture Sector in San Luis Obispo County 2025 report says the arts sector in Paso Robles draws approximately 630,000 visitors annually and generates $70.2 million in visitor spending.

Recreation Services conducted a public art survey during the 2025 Summer Concert Series and through the City’s social media channels, receiving feedback from 121 respondents. Results showed unanimous support for expanding public art in Paso Robles, with 92% saying existing installations enhance the city’s character. Murals ranked as the most preferred art type at 86%, followed by sculptures at 75% and community art projects at 73%, while 32% favored monuments. Additional suggestions included stained glass, decorated utility boxes, metalwork, and rock gardens.

Representing Travel Paso, Tracy Dauterman said, "We [Travel Paso] strongly support the proposed arts and culture board and the public art initiative being discussed this evening. This proposal directly aligns with Travel Paso's strategic plan and our vision to ensure a flourishing community with authentic and welcoming experiences for visitors and residents alike."

"I think that we're a little ahead of our budget process, and we have several important programs that need a similar kind of attention that we haven't really invested in in a fullsome way in a while," Councilmember Kris Beal said. "I'm open to this idea, but I also want to make sure we aren't precommitting funds ahead of when we are looking at the budget as a whole and looking at all the competing needs out there."

Councilmembers then unanimously approved to reinstall the Visual Art in Public Places program.

The approval of the program brings its budget from $700 to $50,000. The fund and program will be brought forward to council annually for review.

The next City Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3 at 6 p.m. in the Norris Room at Centennial Park.