Fort Worth's public art scene might just be one of Texas' best-kept secrets—an impressive collection of over 370 individual pieces that locals and tourists alike can stumble upon. These artworks aren't just hanging out in the obvious places like the Kimbell or the Modern. Instead, they're spread across parks, plazas, and even some more low-key locations you wouldn't think to look twice at.
Keeping up with such a sprawling array of public art requires a full-time dedication, and that's exactly what Arts Fort Worth brings to the table. They've been managing it all, hand in hand with the Fort Worth Art Commission, to make sure every piece doesn't just fit where it's put, but also speaks to the spirit of its neighborhood. "Art is a conversation," Jenny Conn, Arts Fort Worth's public art collection and special projects manager, told the City of Fort Worth. "And it should be a two-way street."
With many of the featured artists hailing from North Texas, their work reflects and tells the stories of the local community. This makes the art not just a part of the city's landscape but also a narrative of its people and history. The oldest piece in the collection dates back to 1893, with the most recent addition in 2019, proving that the city's art scene is as dynamic as it is historic.
But like all good things, change is inevitable. Jenny Conn is set to leave Arts Fort Worth at the end of the year to pursue consulting work with local artists and arts organizations. "My hope for the program is that the City and its residents value and understand that the Fort Worth Public Art collection creates an important history for the generations after us so that they have some insight into who we are, who we were and what we valued and treasured," Conn said, per the City of Fort Worth.
