Arkansas Public Art

Mission

Arkansas Public Art brings dynamic contemporary art to a broad audience by partnering with organizations to develop and implement exhibitions that actively adds to the cultural record through its promotion of visual arts in public space.

Arkansas Public Art is a non-profit organization that relies on contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations to support the development of exhibitions and outreach programs.

Vision

Arkansas Public Art engages, inspires, and enriches the lives of citizens and visitors through its public art program­. APA assists communities through public art planning and works to encourage and help the public enjoy, appreciate, and engage with the art around them, through outreach and education programs.

History

Arkansas Public Art was founded in 2019 by Eric Atchison of Little Rock. In May 2013, during a visit to the University of California San Diego with his uncle, Louis Misko (1949-2014), they took a walk through campus that exposed them to nearly 20 outdoor public sculptures commissioned through the Stuart Collection. It was this walk that inspired Eric to help others discover public art and create opportunities for local artists.  Soon after returning to Jackson, Eric began documenting and promoting public art, both permanent and temporary, through the use of various social media platforms.