In January 2026, the Town adopted a new Public Art Plan that serves as the guiding framework for public art initiatives and partnerships with private development projects. Developers are encouraged to review the plan early in the planning process to better understand the Town’s vision, goals, and expectations for public art.
The Town of Knightdale encourages developers to incorporate public art as an integral element of creating vibrant, memorable places. Public art can strengthen community identity, celebrate local history and culture, and enhance the unique character of development projects throughout the town.
Developers should coordinate with their assigned Project Manager as early as possible when considering public art elements within a development. Sharing preliminary concepts, themes, locations, and artistic goals during the planning process allows Town staff and the United Arts Council to provide valuable feedback and help ensure alignment with Knightdale's public art vision.
For private development projects, the selection of the artist and public artwork shall be the responsibility of the developer. Financial terms and compensation related to the public art project shall be negotiated directly between the developer and the artist and documented through a written agreement.
The Town of Knightdale partners with the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County to support public art planning, artist engagement, and public art initiatives. Developers seeking assistance with identifying artists, exploring public art concepts, or understanding best practices for public art integration are encouraged to contact:
Jennifer McEwen
President & CEO, United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County
Email: jmcewen@unitedarts.org
Phone: (919) 839-1498
Website: https://unitedarts.org
An approved public art project must be installed prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. To achieve the best possible artistic outcome, developers are encouraged to begin planning, artist selection, and project coordination as early as practicable in the development process.
Developers shall complete and submit the Town of Knightdale Public Art Proposal Application, available at the bottom of this webpage. Upon receipt, the application will be reviewed by staff for completeness and presented to the Public Art Advisory Board, which may provide feedback and recommendations regarding the proposed artwork.
Following its review, the Public Art Advisory Board may recommend approval or denial of the public art proposal to the Town Council for consideration at a regularly scheduled Town Council meeting. Final approval of all public art proposals rests with the Town Council.
When developing public art concepts, developers are encouraged to pay particular attention to the following sections of the Public Art Plan:
- The Town of Knightdale: Its History (Pages 2-5)
- Understanding the community's heritage, culture, and identity can help inform the development of authentic and meaningful public art concepts.
- KnightdaleNext 2035 Comprehensive Plan Alignment (Page 6)
- Public art projects should complement the Town's broader planning goals and community vision.
- Goal 1: Site-Planned Initiatives (Pages 7-8)
- Guidance for integrating public art into development projects and public spaces.
- Town of Knightdale Public Art Program Guidelines (Pages 15-24)
- Standards and expectations for artwork design, installation, maintenance, and public engagement.
- Public Art in Private Development (Pages 25-31)
- Specific guidance for developers regarding the incorporation of public art into private projects.