Inclusive Public Art: Los Angeles’ Public Artists in Development programme for underrepresented artists 

In 2023, Los Angeles County’s Civic Art Division launched Public Artists in Development (PAiD), a new initiative funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Through funding, apprenticeships and professional development, it directly addresses the lack of equitable representation in public art by investing in the participation of underrepresented artists – including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled, self-taught, and emerging artists. It offers a replicable model to diversify and democratise access to public commissions. 

Strengthening artist-led strategies through the Artist Council 

Traditional open calls often fail to reach artists outside of established networks. PAiD combats this through intentional outreach and artist selection reform, designed in partnership with the Artist Council and community-based partners.  

At the core of the PAiD program is the Artist Council, composed of eight diverse artists who guide Los Angeles County’s Department of Arts and Culture policy and artist engagement strategies. Each Council member receives a $5,500 stipend for participating and a $22,500 project budget to develop a temporary public art project. The Council design and have oversight of the programme’s administration, reach out to underrepresented artists and select artists for PAiD.  

These efforts have helped the Civic Art Division connect with more artists working in non-traditional media and underrepresented communities – including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color [BIPOC], Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, Bisexual, and Queer [LGTBQ+] artists, artists with disabilities, emerging and self-taught artists, and artists working in non-traditional mediums. This reimagined outreach is critical for ensuring cultural participation reflects the diversity of Los Angeles County and reduces barriers to entry for creatives who have historically been excluded from public art opportunities. 

Apprenticeships and support that lead to real commissions 

As part of PAiD, each of five selected artists complete an apprenticeship, giving them specific skills and knowledge required to complete a public art commission. Each receives a $5,500 stipend, mentorship, and a project budget of $100,000–$150,000 to complete their first permanent public art commission. This hands-on experience builds professional readiness and provides a significant portfolio boost, helping to level the playing field in the highly competitive public art world. 

In addition, access to the PAiD Artist Web Platform ensures long-term impact by offering recorded workshops, templates, and resources for artists navigating the public art field. This free and accessible tool supports the sustained participation of underrepresented artists in public art, far beyond the initial programme cycle. 

Through policy reform, artist input, targeted outreach, and real project opportunities, PAiD positions Los Angeles County as a leader in inclusive cultural development. The programme offers a practical roadmap for other cities seeking to integrate artist-led strategies into public policy and expand access to public cultural infrastructure. 

By tackling systemic exclusion through professional development, mentorship, and policy feedback mechanisms, PAiD offers a replicable model for cities seeking to diversify cultural participation and democratise access to public commissions.