Art in the Madison Public Market
Art is a crucial part of the Madison Public Market’s placemaking activity.
The Madison Public Market Foundation recognizes that arts are a key component of the Market’s offerings and are critical to its success. The Foundation further recognizes that arts, culture, and design strengthen the pillars of our community and stimulate greater social and creative advancement. Therefore, the Market’s welcoming and inclusive space is filled with dynamic art and other visual offerings that celebrate the people, cultures, and ecology of the region’s past, present, and future while enhancing the community’s social cohesion. Art and other cultural offerings must improve the Market’s cultural placemaking and advance the Market’s financial, social, and environmental profit. Furthermore, Art in the Public Market enhances community identity, fosters emotional connection and makes this share space even more vibrant and meaningful by reflecting our local culture. It is our intention that artwork in the form of murals, festivals, public installations, and cultural programming will spark dialogue, transforming functions areas into unique destinations that bring pride and belongingness to visitors.
The City of Madison, with the assistance of the Madison Arts Commission, is primarily responsible for the selection, purchase and installation of artwork in the Public Market. Many of the purchases have been made possible through the Madison Arts Commission’s Municipal Art and Percent for Arts funds, with additional support from private donors including generous contributions from The Madison Community Foundation, The Friends of The Madison Arts Commission, and the Hoke Family Foundation.
The Public Market Art Plan, created in 2025, selected artwork based on the themes Sustainability, Ecology, History, Place and Inclusivity. A press release dated October 6, 2025 unveiled the first three of four exterior murals at the Public Market.
Most of the public art will be in place for opening day, while some may be installed in Spring 2026. Additional projected installations include:
- Huura Šgaach by Nipinet Landsem and Caitlin Newago
- A Visual Land Acknowledgement by Jim Terry
- Rainwater Cistern Wraps by Hello Madison
- Greetings sculpture by Actual Size Artworks
- Sky Sail by Ash Armenta
Additional art pieces are in the works and will be announced at a later date.
The Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District has embraced the Public Market as a venue suitable for showcasing their perspectives on Sustainability and Ecology. Their task is to educate visitors on the importance of the role MMSD in engaging the public to conserve and protect our environment and water treatment systems. Bathroom facilities throughout the Market are designed to answer the question “Where will you go?” A visual language will be used to connect the MMSD treatment plan with the user in a choose your own adventure format. First floor toilet facilities will describe themes such as How Much Water?, Pipes and Gravity, The Big Stuff, Welcome to the Bubble Party, UV Light and Water Cycle/Bi-products.
Second floor toilet facilities focus on the theme “The Can”. Individual stalls highlight Conservation, Where Do We Take This?, Champion Flusher, Rakes Save Lakes, Salt Less – Shovel More, and more.
