There are many approaches to Public Art. The traditional approach of placing stand-alone sculptures, murals or other artworks in buildings, plazas or parks is one methodology. Another is to blur the boundaries between art, architecture and landscape, allowing artists to work as part of the project design team with the architects, engineers and landscape architects.

The Art in Public Places Ordinance establishes a mechanism for funding public art in Albany. The ordinance requires that certain public and private construction projects either include a Public Art element or provide an in-lieu fee for public art elsewhere. Any public or private development with a Construction Cost greater than $300,000 (as calculated by the City of Albany) must include a Public Art component equal to 1.75% of the total construction costs. If there is not a possible public space for Public Art at the project site, the development must then make a contribution equal to 1.75% of project costs to the Public Art Fund.

Public Art is artwork in the public realm, and can include all types of objects, from sculptures, paintings and mosaics to manhole covers, paving patterns and other functional elements created by an artist. Public Art creates a sense of space and improves the quality and design of buildings, streetscapes and public places, giving a stronger feeling of identity.