We interact with art and design every day of our lives. Whether our clothing, our homes, our vehicles, or our favorite music, book or movie, artists and artworks bring new dimensions to every aspect of who we are and what we do. Through art and design initiatives, projects that might have contributed to the homogeneity of much of our contemporary culture, can instead become special places, unordinary landscapes, spirited enhancements which counteract the mundane and routine. We can sculpt our environment to reflect Salina's ingenuity and creativity, making this a place people remember visiting, a place in which people choose to live.

In 2000, in celebration of the 25th Smoky Hill River Festival, the Salina City Commission endorsed a resolution to create the Community Art & Design Program, expanding into the built environment the already strong City-wide arts programs. With a focus on urban design and the intention to create distinct landmarks, the program has helped bring new life into capital projects in such places as the Animal Shelter, Municipal Court House and in school re-building projects.

COMMUNITY ART & DESIGN PROGRAM GOALS:

• Enhance the functional design of the City’s infrastructure in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Expand the opportunities for residents and visitors to experience the artistic, historic, and cultural aspects of our community in public places and facilities.
• To evoke a positive, thoughtful response from residents and visitors through their interaction with the City’s built environment.
• To distinguish Salina as a positive, imaginative place in which to live or visit, increasing community identity, pride and vitality.
• Provide a meaningful way to involve citizens in the design of their environments.
• Foster public/private partnerships for artistic beautification and expression
• Contribute to the City’s economic development; promote cultural tourism; and enhance the ability of Salina institutions to attract new employees and their families to the community.