Mission Statement
Through thoughtful planning and community collaboration, the City of Laredo Public Arts Program transforms everyday public spaces into vibrant, engaging places that reflect the city’s unique character, creativity, and cultural richness.
Laredo’s Public Arts Annual Plan — Now Live!
We’re thrilled to launch our Public Arts Projects, a celebration of creativity and community collaboration across Laredo!
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CONTEST PROJECTS
Explore the projects and check if you qualify.
Please review carefully. All submissions will be evaluated after the deadline, and selected artists will be notified by email.
CLICK HERE: PUBLIC ART CONTEST SUBMISSION FORM
DEADLINE: Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST
CLICK HERE: If you wish to serve on our EVALUATION SELECTION PANEL
DEADLINE: Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST
Volunteer Opportunities NOW OPEN!
The City of Laredo Public Arts Program welcomes community members who want to get involved in creative projects across the city. Volunteers can gain hands-on experience, build their portfolios, earn community service hours, and help shape the future of public art in Laredo.
Volunteer Registration Requirements
To be considered, please complete both forms listed:
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Submit Public Arts Program Volunteer Registration Form
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Community Development Volunteer Program Application LINK
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When completing the Community Development application, please select:
Preferred Volunteer Activities: Library
Preferred Volunteer Location: Public Arts Program or Arts & Culture Division.
Please follow the Community Development Department’s instructions when completing and submitting the Volunteer Program Application. Participants must be 15 years or older to volunteer.
Volunteer opportunities are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis based on project needs and availability. Submission does not guarantee placement.
Vision Statement
Provide public art that is woven into the fabric of daily life in Laredo—sparking inspiration, reflection, and pride, while inviting the public to help shape a lasting cultural legacy for generations to come.
About the Public Arts Program
We are committed to growing Laredo’s dynamic public arts collection—one that enhances quality of life, strengthens neighborhoods, supports economic development, and celebrates Laredo’s diverse people, history, and natural environment.
Guided by the City Ordinance 2019-O-177 , Laredo Art Master Plan (LAMP) , and the long-term vision of the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, we strive to foster inclusivity, civic pride, and artistic excellence—inviting both residents and visitors to experience a Laredo where culture connects us and creativity is part of everyday life.
Workshops for Artists
Learn how to take your creative work from the studio to public spaces.
Our free workshops are designed to help artists navigate the public art process, strengthen their proposals, and prepare for paid opportunities in Laredo.
Topics Include:
– Proposal Tips
– Work Opportunities for Laredo Artists
– Budget Basics
– Getting Paid & Staying Organized
– Public Art Guidelines
Participants will receive useful templates and tools to support budgeting, invoicing, and project planning.
Open to artists 17 and older.
Currently, there are no upcoming workshops. Stay tuned for registration dates—follow us on Instagram or Facebook @PublicArtsLaredo for updates when new sessions become available.
How the Process Works: Standard Operating Procedure
The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) establishes a consistent and transparent process for the submission, evaluation, and implementation of public arts projects in alignment with the City Ordinance 2019-O-177, Laredo Art Master Plan (LAMP) and Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan.
Help Shape Public Arts in Laredo
Your voice matters! We invite you to take part in shaping the future of Laredo’s public art by completing the surveys below.
Each one plays a unique role in guiding how we plan, prioritize, and place art across the city.
Have feedback on a completed public art project? Share your thoughts with us here: Public Art Project Feedback Survey
Help identify the best places across Laredo for future public art projects: Public Art Project Location Survey
Tell us what kinds of public art (like murals, sculpture, interactive installations, etc.) you’d love to see more of in Laredo: Public Art Type Survey
Fine Arts and Culture Commission
Composition: 9 members appointed by the Mayor and City Council Created: Ordinance 2017-O-087.
Mission: To advise and support the City of Laredo in fostering a vibrant, inclusive public arts environment that enriches community life, promotes cultural expression, and enhances the city’s identity through meaningful arts initiatives.
| Appointee | By | Start | Expire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jorge Santana | Mayor | 6/2025 | 11/2026 |
| Armando X. Lopez | District 1 | 7/2023 | 11/2026 |
| VACANT | District 2 | N/A | N/A |
| Melissa Amici | District 3 | 1/2023 | 11/2026 |
| Mary Provence | District 4 | 10/2025 | 11/2029 |
| Abraham "AB" Treviño | District 5 | 2/2026 | 11/2028 |
| Gayle Aker Rodriguez | District 6 | 1/2023 | 11/2026 |
| VACANT | District 7 | N/A | N/A |
| Alan Holmgreen | District 8 | 9/2025 | 11/2028 |
Staff Liaison: Vanessa C. Filazzola
FAQ Page
FAQ page was created to help answer common questions about our Public Arts Program, contests, and opportunities.
We encourage you to review the information on our FAQ Page, as many questions are addressed along with links to additional resources.
Please feel free to reach out if your question is not addressed, we’re here to help.
Arts & Culture Staff
Vanessa C. Filazzola
Public Arts Program Manager
CONTACT US (select contact the Public Arts Program Manager)
*Kindly allow a minimum of 1–2 business days for a response.*
