Public Art Program
One of the City of Fairfax’s main goals is to create a distinctive sense of place—both physically and culturally. To achieve this, the city is combining its unique public spaces with rich cultural and educational experiences. A strong public art program is one way the city is working toward that goal.
Fairfax Mural (2020) by MADSTEEZ at 29 Diner.
Call for Art
Call for Artists: Mini-Art Vending Machine
⚠️The Holiday Mini Art Call to Art has closed.
Visit the Mini Art Machine at Cinema Arts starting Monday, Nov. 24 at noon.
View Full Guidelines(PDF, 484KB)
The City of Fairfax is seeking artists to create small-format designs for its innovative mini-art vending machine. This project promotes affordable art for everyone!
Key Details:
- Rolling Call to Art.
- Themed calls have specific deadlines.
- Vending Machine Location: Local city businesses and certain city events
- Requirements: 2D, 9 original works, each 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, high-resolution digital files
- Stipend: $150 for 9 prints, for the selected artist
- Ongoing Opportunity: New artist featured every 30 - 60 days
The opportunity is open to artists, graphic designers and illustrators of all levels. Local artists receive weighted preference. Designs will be printed on card stock and sold for $1 each.
Questions? Contact Acting Cultural Arts Manager Christine Vincent at Christine.Vincent@fairfaxva.gov or 703-273-6097.
Call for Artists: Signal Box Wraps
View Signal Box Guidelines(PDF, 892KB)
The City of Fairfax is seeking artists to transform traffic signal cabinets into public artworks. Artist designs will be printed on vinyl and wrapped around city-maintained signal boxes throughout Fairfax.
Key Details:
- Deadline: Rolling submissions accepted
- Honorarium: $500 for selected artists
- Requirements: Up to three original designs, high-resolution digital files in specific formats
- Duration: Wraps displayed for two to three years
- Goal: Wrap new boxes as the city upgrades signal equipment
Open to artists, graphic designers, illustrators and photographers of all levels. Designs must be original artwork that can be translated to large-format vinyl wraps. The selection committee will assign specific traffic cabinet locations to chosen designs.
Selection criteria include:
- Artistic merit and graphic strength
- Contribution to the city's aesthetic and cultural atmosphere
- Appropriateness for public spaces
- Ability to translate effectively on traffic box wraps
Ready to participate? Download the complete guidelines, submission requirements and design template above. Questions? Contact Acting Cultural Arts Manager Christine Vincent at Christine.Vincent@fairfaxva.gov or 703-273-6097.
Take a Virtual Public Art Tour
Start the tour
Explore Fairfax City’s vibrant public art through a virtual tour. From colorful murals and striking statues to immersive digital experiences, this interactive journey lets you discover how creativity brings the city’s streets to life.
Business-Driven Public Art
The City of Fairfax Commission on the Arts and Public Art Committee work closely with the Board of Architectural Review to identify great locations for public art in developments in the city! If you are a business owner in the city and interested in adding public art to your property, email Acting Cultural Arts Manager, Christine Vincent,for more information.
Fairfax Contemporary Pictures (2022) by Joseph Crain English.
Public Art Committee
The Public Art Committee of the City of Fairfax Commission of the Arts meets periodically to discuss new public art locations and opportunities to bring public art to the city. Learn more by clicking the link below.
View boards & commissions directory