The Project
Public Art 101 is a free 10-part online learning series designed to support artists, community groups and organizers in exploring and developing public art projects. This self-paced, on-demand program provides long-term access to public art education while equipping participants with practical tools and knowledge.
The series offers a high-level overview of the unique needs and best practices in the public art sector. Each module focuses on a key stage of the process — from budgeting, artist contracting and community engagement, to fabrication, installation and long-term care. Alongside video presentations by Dawn van de Schoot, the series integrates project examples from the City of Calgary and Calgary Arts Development, interviews with artists and administrators, slide presentations, downloadable resources and transcripts.
By combining professional insights with accessible resources, Public Art 101 helps artists interested in transitioning their practice into public art and supports communities in planning and initiating their own projects. This new series builds on a series of in-person workshops offered as part of a pilot project in 2024.
How to use Public Art 101
The sessions are designed to be watched in order, but depending on where you are in your project, you may want to only watch the episodes that are relevant to you and your specific needs or concerns. We have made them available on demand at all times so that you can watch and rewatch as you need.
Introduction to host Dawn van de Schoot
Dawn van de Schoot is a multi-disciplinary artist and arts administrator who has been working in public art for over 19 years. Specializing in community engagement and arts mentorship, Dawn brings her knowledge of this work to artists and community groups in a way that is accessible and will guide their projects towards success.
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that the land we gather on is the ancestral territory of the Siksikaitsitapi — the Blackfoot people — comprising the Siksika, Kainai and Piikani Nations, as well as Treaty 7 signatories, the Tsuut’ina Nation and the Îyârhe Nakoda Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney First Nations. Today this land is home to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government Districts 5 and 6 as well as many First Nations and Inuit from across Turtle Island.
We acknowledge that there has been art, music, dance, storytelling and ceremony on this land since time immemorial and it is in the spirit of this land and its people that we do our work.
Session 1: Why Public Art?
An overview of the importance of art in the public realm and an exploration of the ways that public art can contribute to our cities.
Click here for an ASL version of Session 1: Why Public Art?
Contributor Videos: Learn more about the artists who participated in Session 1: Why Public Art?
Artist Resource Guides: Artist-developed guides to support your public art project planning process.
Downloadable public art project templates and guides for artists and organizations.
Session 2: Public Art Process
A high-level overview of the steps required to undertake a public art project from beginning to end.
Click here for an ASL version of Session 2: Public Art Process
Contributor Videos: Learn more about the artists who participated in Session 2: Public Art Process
Artist Resource Guides: Artist-developed guides to support your public art project planning process.
Session 3: Budget
A brief summary of public art budget best practices and the elements that are unique to public art.
Click here for an ASL version of Session 3: Public Art Process
Contributor Videos: Learn more about the artists who participated in Session 3: Public Art Budget
Artist Resource Guides: Artist-developed guides to support your public art project planning process.
Downloadable public art project templates and guides for artists and organizations.
Session 4: Artist Selection and Contracting
An outline of how to find and contract the right artist to make your project a success.
Release Date: April 20, 2026
Session 5: Developing a Concept
An overview of the steps involved in a public art concept report.
Release Date: April 27, 2026
Session 6: Community Engagement
An exploration of why and how to engage the community in the public art process.
Release Date: May 4, 2026
Session 7: Detailed Design and Fabrication
A brief introduction to the requirements for detailed design approvals in order to move into fabrication of your artwork.
Release Date: May 11, 2026
Session 8: Installation
Items to consider in the development of an installation plan.
Release Date: May 19, 2026
Session 9: Planning for the Lifespan of your Project
Considerations for the future care and maintenance of your artwork.
Release Date: May 25, 2026
Session 10: Celebration and Evaluation
Things to consider in order to finish your project in style and start planning for your next one!
Release Date: June 1, 2026
Photo, video and interview credits
- Barb Briggs, Asvoria Media
- daniel j. kirk and Tiffany Freeman, Blank Page Studio
- Kat Simmers, Artist
- Jarret Sitter, Artist
- Allan Rosales and Von Zuninga, FilipinX Kasaganaan Artist Collective
- Jamie Mason and Kevin Chow, Rowry & Pohly, Artists
- Danira Miralda and Edward Bertrand, Incipio Modo Artist Collective
- Sisay Shimeles, Artist
- Andrew Holloway, Artist
- Sharon Stevens, Artist
- Jared Tailfeathers, Artist
- Tiffany Wollman, Artist
- Pamela Haskell, Community organizer
- Julie Yepishina-Gellar, Former Public Art Liaison, Public Art Program, City of Calgary
- Jessica McMann, Indigenous Curator, Public Art Program, City of Calgary
- Tania Wildman, Project Coordinator, Public Art Program, City of Calgary
- Sophia Zweifel, Conservator, Public Art Program, City of Calgary
- Mary Quinlan, Community Strategist, Public Art Program, City of Calgary
- Kirsten Schrader, Director, Public Art, Calgary Arts Development
- Patti Pon, President and CEO, Calgary Arts Development