Public Works of Art Project

The Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) was a New Deal program initiated in 1933 to provide employment for artists during the Great Depression. It funded the creation of public artworks, such as murals and sculptures, aimed at enriching community spaces and making art accessible to the public. By engaging artists in government-sponsored projects, PWAP helped beautify American cities and demonstrated the value of art in everyday life while supporting artists financially during tough economic times. The program lasted until 1934 and laid the groundwork for future government art initiatives.