The mission of Salisbury’s Public Arts Commission (PAC) is to provide a broad range of accessible opportunities for Salisbury citizens and visitors, of every age and background, to experience the wonder, beauty, diversity, and power in the many forms of art that shape, enrich, and reflect the community’s history and culture.
Our History
The Public Arts Commission was originally created in 2003 as the Downtown History and Art Trail Committee to celebrate the City’s history and culture through public art in Salisbury’s downtown. The History and Art Trail consists a series of bronze markers to commemorate notable people, places and events that have shaped the City’s heritage. Twenty markers have been installed, with another twenty in the planning stage.
In 2008, a sculptor who had recently relocated to Salisbury suggested the City host a temporary sculpture show to attract a broader audience for arts and cultural tourism. This show has since been an annual event since 2008 with a strong following among residents, visitors and exhibiting sculptors. Originally just in the downtown area, the show has expanded to local businesses, colleges and Salisbury neighborhoods. The addition of the sculpture show prompted the group to change its name to the Public Art Committee (PAC). As a result of the PAC’s efforts, the City has since added twenty-six permanent sculptures through public and private acquisition. The committee became a full Public Arts Commission (PAC) in 2022.
The Salisbury Sculpture Show has received both the US Conference of Mayors City Livability Award and the Centralina Council of Governments Region of Excellence Improving Quality of Life Award. Surrounding cities continue to reach out to Salisbury for insight into the Commissions ongoing programs.
Future PAC goals include additional permanent art installations to celebrate Salisbury’s past, present and future for generations to come.
The PAC embraces opportunities to work together with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, as it strives to make art accessible to all.