Founded in 1976,the Broward County public art program took a dramatic shift in 1995 when the allocation from county construction was changed to two (2) percent.  The program was renamed "Public Art and Design" to reflect a renewed dedication to enhancing architecture and urban spaces through the ideas and creations of visual artists.

The program is allocated two to three million dollars annually.  The money is distributed to art (70 percent), project support (15 percent) and long term conservation (15 percent).  Major projects occur at the courthouses, libraries, parks, greenways, airport, streetscapes, seaport and other county facilities.

Broward County Board of County Commissioners authorizes the funding for each public art project in an annual plan recommended by the Broward Cultural Council.  To ensure a high level of artistic excellence, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners entrust artistic selection to an advisory committee system.  The Public Art and Design Committee is composed of seven Broward County art and design professionals appointed by the Broward Cultural Council, including a council member who chairs the committee.  The Public Art and Design Committee has 10-15 artist selection panels which are composed of arts experts, community representatives and agency managers.