Since its inception, Public Art Fund has presented more than five hundred artists` exhibitions and projects at sites throughout New York City`s five boroughs, making it possible for artists to engage diverse audiences and, along the way, redefine public art in relation to the changing nature of contemporary art.Public Art Fund was founded in 1977 by Doris C. Freedman (1928-1981), a champion of public art who served as New York City`s first Director of Cultural Affairs, President of the Municipal Art Society of New York, and was a tireless supporter of New York City`s Percent for Art legislation. In 1971, she founded the Public Arts Council while at the same time serving as president of City Walls Inc. Under her leadership, both organizations developed programs to explore the potential for art to become an integral aspect of urban public spaces.
