Public access to art

Art on the River public temporary art exhibit is located along the Mississippi Riverwalk in the Port of Dubuque. You can stroll the picturesque walkway near the Mississippi and view ten pieces of public art that will have you and your family talking, smiling and taking pictures. The exhibit will be on display through June 2019. The exhibit is free, can be viewed sunrise to sunset year-round, and is accessible.

Community support for the arts

Each year we consult with industry experts and our local Arts and Culture Affairs Advisory Commission to select ten finalists from a highly competitive field of local and national artists. The final selections are unveiled at the opening reception each summer and are displayed for the entire year. The artists selected as finalists are awarded  $1,500 for displaying their artwork here in Dubuque for a year.

The City Council approved the creation of the Art on the River outdoor sculpture project In November 2005, and approved a budget of $300,000 over the next 10 years for this innovative initiative.The annual exhibit is now a permanent part of the arts operating budget. 

Opportunity for artists

Each piece is for sale but must remain part of the Art on the River display for the entire year. The City functions as a gallery and will take a commission on each sale to fund future exhibitions. For sales information, contact the Arts and Cultural Affairs Coordinator by calling 563-589-4393.