Click here for an interactive map of the public art pieces.

The City of Carmel has made a commitment to the arts and uses its artistic and cultural attractions as one of its most powerful economic development tools. Studies have shown that an average attendee at an arts performance spends many times what an attendee at a sports event spends in local restaurants and other retailers. The neighboring city of Indianapolis decided long ago to focus on sports as its main economic development tool.

By using the arts, Carmel does not compete with Indianapolis for sports, but complements the overall amenities of the region by providing a strong arts and culture component. In addition to The Center for the Performing Arts and its resident companies, the communities have a robust public arts component as part of its overall arts initiative. This includes statues in the Arts & Design District, roundabouts and across other areas of the city. Carmel is home to the largest collection of J. Seward Johnson sculptures outside of the artist’s home state of New Jersey. Most of the city’s statues by J. Seward Johnson are from the “Celebrating the Familiar” collection, which depicts realistic moments from daily life. Carmel's statues feature scenes from the 1970s.

It is important for the community as a whole to have access to art from around the world, regardless of a person’s income level. Carmel’s public art provides visual diversity to engage and inspire those who live, work or visit and enhances their experience while spending time here.