4-08-2026 4:05am

County Takes Art

Jeff Barto Editor

Baltimore County Launches New Initiative to Bring Public Art to County Roadways

TOWSON – Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier announced an expansion of opportunities for public art across the County through the establishment of the Public Art on Baltimore County Roadways initiative.

The Public Art on Baltimore County Roadways initiative will enable and encourage the creation of community-led, proposed and installed public “asphalt art” projects on county-owned roadways within County Commercial Revitalization Districts.

“Residents are clear that they want their neighborhoods and communities to be more colorful as well as safer,” said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. “This gives communities a way to bring art to their streets in a way that supports businesses and strengthens neighborhood identity, and improving roadway safety.”

The art will enhance walkability and improve the aesthetic appeal of commercial corridors.

Enhancing More Than Just Appearances

Asphalt art can function as a roadway design and traffic calming strategy. By reinforcing that streets are shared spaces for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, and other users, these installations can help slow traffic and improve safety. A 2022 Asphalt Art Safety Study published by Bloomberg Philanthropies found measurable improvements in transportation safety in areas where projects were implemented.

Eligible installations may be placed on non-travel portions of County roadways, including shoulders and pedestrian-only areas like bump-outs.

Applicants can apply for various project lengths:

Long-Term (3+ Years)
Short-Term (6 months to under 3 years)
Temporary (under 6 months)

“With this policy, we’re giving communities a chance to transform their streetscapes through art,” said Megan Oliver, Senior Planner in the Department of Planning. “When residents, visitors, and business owners engage with art in their everyday environments, the benefits ripple across the entire community.”

Eligible projects may be located on shoulders and pedestrian-only areas, such as bump-outs, but not within travel lanes, crosswalks, or intersections. Those interested in creating an asphalt art project are encouraged to apply.
Applicants must submit a project summary, budget, conceptual design, maintenance plan, and supporting materials for review by the Asphalt Art Review Team, a multiagency team from across Baltimore County departments. Approved applicants will enter into a memorandum of understanding with the County and are responsible for installation and ongoing maintenance of the artwork.

For full eligibility requirements, design guidelines, submission checklist and application details, view the Public Art on Baltimore County Roadways guide.

For more information about the Public Art on Baltimore County Roadways program, including where to find and submit the application, visit:
https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/planning/asphalt-art-projects.