Arts and Culture Program

Publicly Accessible Art in Private Development Program 

The Publicly Accessible Art in Private Development Program requires most private development projects in the city to include an expenditure for a publicly accessible art project based on an annually adjusted fee schedule. 

The ordinance promotes the general welfare by requiring and encouraging the use and incorporation of works of publicly accessible art in private development to preserve and enrich the character and environment of the community, improve the quality of life for those who visit, live, and work in the city, ameliorate the harshness of increased urbanization, and foster the economic vitality of the community. 

Review the ordinance, implementation manual, and guidelines to learn which projects are subject to the requirement, which projects are exempt, the options developers have to comply with the ordinance, and the steps to submit an application. 

Art in Public Places Program 

The Art in Public Places Program was established to commission works of site-specific public art to be installed on property owned by the City of Rockville. Since 1978, the program has been a driving force behind Rockville’s unique cultural identity. The program is funded by an annual appropriation based on the city’s budget from the previous year. 

The works of art reference historical, cultural, or socially relevant themes of the surrounding site and reflect the city’s dynamism and diversity. They not only beautify our surroundings, but also serve as conversation starters, fostering a strong sense of community.