Public Art Commission

Celebrating the power of the arts to activate spaces, start conversations, and bring people together in an urban environment.

The City of Salem is committed to enriching & enlivening the urban environment through showcasing innovative & transformative works of art in all media & modalities.  With a focus on working with local artists, especially those historically underrepresented, we seek to foster greater community awareness of & interaction with the arts and celebrate diversity in all its forms. Our goal is to nurture diversity & creativity; foster a sense of community pride & belonging; and enhance the quality of life for all. To view a map of our Public Art Collection, please click here!

The Salem Public Art Commission was established in 2014 after the completion of the City of Salem Public Art Master Plan in 2013. The Commission is comprised of seven residents of the City of Salem, appointed by the Mayor, who have backgrounds in art, architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, art or architectural history, or design. The Commission oversees approval of an annual public art plan, reviews proposed public art projects to be recommended to the Mayor and, if applicable, the Salem Redevelopment Authority for approval; reviews and approves artist concept proposals or proposed artwork for private development projects where the developer is to provide public art as part of an agreement with the City; makes recommendations regarding proposed revisions to public art policies and procedures; and serves as an advocate for public art in Salem.

You can read our full Code of Ordinance charter here.

Note: All proposals, presentations, and/or documentation to be reviewed and discussed at Public Art Commission Meetings can be viewed online at the following link: https://bit.ly/SalemPACProposals

Return to the Art & Culture Main Page

Staff Contacts

Name Title
Julie Barry Senior Planner - Arts & Culture

Board Members

Name Title
John Andrews Vice-Chair (7/20/2023)
Norene Gachignard Chair (1/11/2024)
Carly Dwyer Naik Member (9/13/2024)
Gwendolyn Rosemond Member (9/21/2024)
Hannah Gathman
Jim Bostick
Becky Fisher Member (11/2024)
Kyle Alexander Davis City Council Liaison
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