Windsor Heights is building a thoughtful, community-centered public art program that reflects who we are and where we’re headed. Public art helps create welcoming spaces, strengthens community identity, and brings creativity into everyday places throughout the city.
In June 2025, the Windsor Heights City Council formally adopted the Windsor Heights Public Art Plan, establishing a long-term vision for integrating art into public spaces across the community.
Why Public Art?
Public art is artwork created for shared, public spaces—parks, streets, trails, buildings, and gathering places—where it can be experienced by everyone. It can take many forms, including murals, sculptures, installations, and functional art elements.
In Windsor Heights, public art is intended to:
Strengthen community pride and identity
Create connection points for residents and visitors
Enhance public spaces through creativity and placemaking
Support local and regional artists
These goals are rooted in extensive community input and align with the City’s broader vision for growth, livability, and connection
The Windsor Heights Public Art Plan
The Windsor Heights Public Art Plan serves as the guiding document for all public art efforts in the city. Developed with community input and professional consultation, the plan outlines the program’s mission, vision, goals, and implementation strategies.
Public Art Program Mission
To create and operate an inspiring and transformative public art program that develops quality artwork through an equitable, accessible, and maintainable process.
Program Goals include:
Building and sustaining a citywide public art program
Integrating art into infrastructure and public spaces
Promoting the local creative economy
Creating community-centric and inclusive artwork
Ensuring diversity, equity, and accessibility in public art
Windsor Heights is currently in the early planning stages of its first public art project: a community mural at 6587 University Ave (west facing wall along 66th St).
In January 2026, the City formally accepted a grant from Bravo Greater Des Moines, helping launch the first phase of public art implementation. This mural project represents an important first step in bringing the Public Art Plan to life and setting the foundation for future projects.
As planning continues, the City will share updates related to artist selection, community engagement opportunities, and project timelines.
Past Projects
What’s Next
Public art in Windsor Heights will grow over time. Future projects may include murals, sculptures, and art integrated into parks, trails, infrastructure, and gateways throughout the city, as identified in the Public Art Plan.
Each project will follow a clear process that emphasizes:
Community engagement
Artist collaboration
Long-term maintenance and care
Alignment with City goals and values
Support Public Art
Donations to the Windsor Heights Public Art Program support murals, sculptures, and other public art projects that enhance shared spaces throughout the community. All donations are voluntary and used solely for public art purposes.
In-person donations can be made at City Hall, 1145 66th Street Suite 1, Windsor Heights, IA 50324. Cash and check donations can be mailed to that address.
Donations may be tax deductible under federal law. Please consult a tax professional for details.
Get Involved / Stay Informed
Community input is central to the success of public art in Windsor Heights. Opportunities to participate—such as surveys, public meetings, or community-created elements—will be shared as projects move forward.
For questions about public art or upcoming projects, please contact City Clerk Adam Strait at astrait@windsorheights.org (hyperlink) or 515-645-6810.
.jpg "Modern bus shelter with red abstract glass art panel near apartments on a winter day")
