Public Art Plan
After nearly twenty years of hosting Outdoor Sculpture Competitions, Western Carolina University is now taking the next step in its commitment to the research of contemporary public art.

Western Carolina University is implementing an exciting Public Art Master Plan in conjunction with the current Campus Master Plan. The following is a description of the Public Art Campus Master Plan and the implementation process.

Art Master Plan

The Western Carolina University Art Master Plan is a mapped and written program of art location, requirements, and process that reflect the history and identity of the campus and community. Specific sites for art are established based on current campus development, existing elements, and historical significance. The art placed in these sites are programmed through several approval and requirement processes to:
  • Enhance the Location Aesthetically
  • Engage the Viewer
  • Emit Historical, Present Day and/or Future Significance

The Team

The Public Art Master Plan developed for Western Carolina University is a collaborative effort between Woolpert, Inc., the Fine Art Museum and School of Art & Design, Facilities Management and University Administration. The Fine Art Museum, in conjunction with the Cherokee Heritage and Fitness Trail opportunities helped to shape the overall Western Carolina University Public Art Master Plan by incorporating public art with the historical heritage and fitness trail installation. Both programs bring the uniqueness of the campus to life while enhancing the public's awareness of art.

Public Art

The intention of the Western Carolina Arts Master Plan is to increase public access to public art on campus. The art itself will allow viewers a true sense of the campus from past, present, and future. The master plan encompasses a collective system of art separated into five types:
  • Permanent Art
  • Temporary Art
  • Neighborhood Art
  • Themed Art
  • Heritage Trail Art

Location and types of these art pieces are predetermined and planned in correlation with both the existing campus and with the future campus development to ensure vitality through the campus' progression.

As the Public Art Master Plan moves forward, stay tuned to this website for information regarding upcoming Calls to Artists.





THE FINE ART MUSEUM