Since 1993, ASC has managed the public art programs for the city and county. The Public Art Commission is responsible for the community-based artist selection and design review process for each public artwork. The commission is an appointed board of volunteer citizens from the arts, education and business sectors.

In 2003, Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners and the Charlotte City Council adopted ordinances that appropriate 1 percent of eligible capital improvement project funds for public art. The ordinance helps ensure that artworks enhance our public spaces and become an integral part of urban and economic development efforts.