The State of Public Art in York County

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

By Sarah O’Brien | Director, Downtown Inc

Public art has long been an essential part of community identity. Kelley Gibson, President of the Cultural Alliance of York County, is working to ensure York County’s identity is told through its public art. Through careful strategy and a new push for comprehensive planning, Gibson envisions a future where public art not only tells the story of the region but also elevates the quality of life, boosts tourism, and stimulates local economies.

FROM “PLOP ART” TO PURPOSEFUL PLANNING

For many years, the public art scene in York County could be described as “plop art”—artworks that emerge quickly, often without sufficient planning or relation to other works. The term, coined by sculptor Rachel Whiteread, speaks to the sporadic nature of these installations. Art would appear, usually driven by well-meaning individuals or groups, but the community lacked a coherent vision for its impact or long-term care.

“A piece of public art is like any other tool in a toolbox,” says Gibson. “It’s all about deciding what that tool is best used for, and right now, we don’t have a plan for how to use those tools.” For public art to be effective, she argues, it must be purposeful—whether it’s to tell a community’s story, beautify a space, or provide functional benefits such as public safety and green spaces.

Historically, some of the most well-known public art pieces in York County, like the murals installed for the county’s 250th anniversary in 1999, are over 20 years old and in various states of decline. These murals, created by artists from across the country, were originally designed to tell the county’s history. However, with no maintenance plan, many of these murals are now weathered and fading, their stories increasingly difficult to interpret.

“The biggest issue we face is the lack of a plan for what happens to these pieces after they’re installed,” Gibson explains. “Public art is a long game, and without ongoing care and a clear plan for how to integrate art into the fabric of the community, we risk losing it.”

A NEW ERA: DOCUMENTING, MAPPING, AND PLANNING

The first step in moving toward a more cohesive public art scene is data collection. The Cultural Alliance has made significant strides in cataloging the public art in York County, creating an interactive map at york365.com that allows both residents and visitors to discover murals, sculptures, and other installations throughout the area. This map is a living document, continuously updated as new pieces are created or old ones are replaced or removed.

“Technology has caught up with our needs,” Gibson says. “This map is more than just a static document; it’s a tool that lets anyone contribute. If you see a mural on the side of a building, you can log it. It’s constantly evolving, which is a big step forward.”

But the map is just the beginning. The next major step is developing a comprehensive public art plan that spans the county, from the City of York to smaller towns like Red Lion, Dover, and New Freedom. Gibson sees this as a collaborative effort, with each community having a say in what type of public art best reflects its unique character.

The goal is to create a diverse range of art installations— murals, sculptures, interactive pieces, and more— that all contribute to a larger, unified narrative about the county’s past, present, and future.

THE ROLE OF A “PUBLIC ART NAVIGATOR”

One of the critical pieces missing from York County’s public art landscape is a guiding figure—a “Public Art Navigator”—to provide technical assistance and resources for those interested in commissioning or maintaining public art. This role could offer expert advice on everything from funding to selecting artists and ensuring that new installations align with the community’s broader goals.

“Right now, if someone wants to install a mural or sculpture, they don’t know where to start. They don’t know what guidelines to follow, how to raise funds, or how to ensure the artwork is maintained,” Gibson says. “A Public Art Navigator would provide that guidance and make the whole process more transparent and accessible.”

Without such a position, public art in York County risks being as inconsistent as it has been in the past. “There’s no one central office overseeing the vision for public art, which is a big challenge,” Gibson explains. “We need someone to help steer the ship and ensure that every project is part of a larger, coherent story.”

OVERCOMING THE FUNDING HURDLE

Perhaps the most significant barrier to the future of public art in York County is funding. Unlike other communities in the Commonwealth, York County lacks dedicated public art funding, which makes it difficult to plan longterm projects or maintain existing pieces. Other regions, such as Allegheny County in Pittsburgh, have used redevelopment funds or sales taxes to support public art initiatives. Without similar funding models, York County is left to rely on sporadic grants and private donations. However, Gibson remains optimistic. “It’s about taking small steps,” she says. “We don’t need to reinvent the wheel, but we do need to look at how other places have made public art a priority. If we can create a master plan, and if we can build on the work we’ve already started, I believe we can get there.”

In the coming years, as York County continues to grow and evolve, public art will play a crucial role in shaping its identity. With a clear plan, a commitment to maintenance, and a vision for the future, York County could become a shining example of how public art can both beautify and strengthen a community—one installation at a time.

culturalyork.org