The Madison Public Art Plan celebrates the themes of sustainability, ecology, history, place & inclusivity. It is a collaborative public art initiative by the Madison Arts Commission (MAC), the Madison Public Market Foundation (MPMF), and other stakeholders. The purpose is to create a welcoming, inclusive, and culturally rich environment. The collection of permanent sculptures, large-scale murals, interactive installations, historic storytelling, and dynamic artwork will celebrate the diverse people, cultures, and ecology of Madison's past, present, and future.
Public dollars from the Percent for Art ordinance and Municipal Arts Fund account for 3/4 of the public art budget for the Madison Public Market. The remaining dollars were privately raised by the Friends of Madison Arts Commission from the Hoke Family & Madison Public Market Foundation from the Madison Community foundation.
The Madison Arts Commission approved several proposals for public art and the Madison Public Market. You can find proposals in Legistar. Proposals for the stairwell are being reviewed by the Madison Arts Commission on May 13, 2026. The public art program includes more than a dozen artworks, more than half of which are already installed. See past press releases from October 6, 2025 and April 20, 2026.
Eliza Leonard by Tom Jones
And Still She Blooms by Monique Karlen & Students
Alma by Isis Macias and Rodrigo Carapia
Axolotl by Isis Macias and Rodrigo Carapia
Image credit: City of Madison photo. Artwork: "A Good Day" by Jim TerryA Good Day by Jim Terry
Image credit: City of Madison photo. Artwork: "Greetings" by Actual Size ArtworksGreetings by Actual Size Artworks
Wahuura Šgaac Nąąkšąną by Nipinet Landsem and Caitlin Newago
Image credit: City of Madison photo. Artwork: Cow – Dairyland Dream, Muskie – Depths of Mendota, Flamingo – Pink on the Hill, Crane – Stillness in the Snow, by Hello Madison (Mira Kim)Dairyland Dream, Depths of Mendota, Pink on the Hill, Stillness in the Snow by Hello Madison
