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Public Art Commission

The Public Art Commission (PAC) plays a key role in shaping Cambridge’s public art collection. The PAC oversees public art projects across the city, ensuring they reflect community values and enhance our public spaces. The Commission guides the implementation of the Public Art Ordinance and the Art Gifts and Donation Policy, advising on project planning, artist selections, deaccession, maintenance, conservation, educational programs, and exhibitions in Gallery 344.

Every percent-for-art project is reviewed by the Commission—from artist proposals to final designs. PAC approval is required before any project can move to fabrication. Their collective expertise helps maintain the quality and impact of public art across Cambridge.

Members of the Public Art Commission recently toured public art installations and Sidewalk Poetry at the King Open and Cambridge Street Upper School and Community Complex.

Current Meeting Schedule:

Register to join a PAC meeting.

View our Public Art Commission Smartsheet Dashboard.

Current Members

Learn more about the people guiding public art in Cambridge:

• Rachel Alexander: Urban planner with a passion for placemaking and public space activation, currently at Agency Landscape + Planning.
• Gabrielle Domb: Executive Director at Brookline Arts Center, with expertise in public space, modern art, and community-focused projects.
• David Freilach: Currently the Director of Develpment at Manship Artists Residency and served as Assistant Director of MIT List Visual Arts Center for 16 years.
• Christopher Herlich: Urban planner and designer at Northeastern University, leading public open space and public art initiatives.
• Jennifer Lawrence: Longtime Cambridge resident, executive coach, and Participatory Budgeting delegate for Public Art.
• John Ravenal: Former Executive Director of deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, with a focus on living artists and contemporary public art.
• Frank Shirley: Founder of Frank Shirley Architects in Cambridge, specializing in historical home renovations and architectural photography.
• Kai Alexis Smith: Architecture and Planning Librarian at MIT, juror for Wiki Loves Monuments, organizer of BIPOC and Art+Feminism Wikipedia Edit-a-thons.
• Diana Smith: Former curator at the Church of the Heavenly Rest in NYC, with over 30 years of experience leading tours at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

More about the Cambridge Public Art Commission:

What are the responsibilities of the Public Art Commission?

• Advising on the artist selection process and community engagement process for major projects;
• Recommending qualified jurors to select artists (the Commission does not select artists);
• Reviewing public art proposals;
• Recommending potential sources for additional funding;
• Advising on outreach and education;
• Providing connection to the wider community and recommendations on community interests, resources, contacts, and neighborhood or city-wide issues;
• Contributing a broad perspective and interest in the city’s goals and values;
• Attending monthly meetings.

How long do members serve?

Public Art Commission members are volunteers appointed by the City Manager to work with Cambridge Arts Council staff in accomplishing the goals of the Cambridge Public Art Program. The Public Art Commission is composed of nine members who each serve a three-year term, renewable once.

When does the PAC meet and what is the time commitments for members?

The PAC meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 6-8 p.m., at the City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, 2nd Floor, in the Cambridge Arts Council Conference Room, or when permitted, virtually on Zoom.

Members are encouraged to participate in Public Art activities and Gallery 344 events, such as public art openings, artist talks, community presentations, gallery receptions, public art tours, and other related happenings. Additionally, members have the opportunity to learn about the day-to-day work of the staff, Arts Council partners, and other departments, and to offer advice and viewpoints that reflect the Commission’s purpose and role of arts advocacy within city government.

Who can serve on the Public Art Commission? Are any special skills needed?

The PAC seeks to represent the socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural diversity of the city, as well as various art and design experience (such as artists, architects, landscape architects, art educators, urban planners, art historians, conservators, curators, and art administrators).

The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Commission members must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.