Define the scope of your public art program. Decide what sort of public art program you are going to offer and what sorts of resources you have available. If, for instance, you want to teach landscape painting or pottery, you will need to find experienced artists who can teach the course. You can advertise for teachers, but another idea is to get the local newspaper or radio station to do a piece about your art program to help spread the word.
Identify your target audience. If the public art program is for kids from a poor neighborhood, you will have to provide the supplies. On the other hand, if it is to teach seniors about art appreciation, your overhead costs may be low. Ask the intended participants what sort of public art program they want. Provide them with a list of possible options so that they can made an informed decision.
Calculate your budget. Based on what you know, figure out how much money you will need to run your program. Include costs for leasing a building, utilities, teacher's salaries and supplies. Add an extra 15 percent for "miscellaneous extras" as things usually cost more than anticipated. See if a local shop would be willing to order the supplies for your public art program at a reduced price.
Rally your volunteers by putting a notice on the community bulletin board and spreading the word on the local grapevine. Draw up job descriptions so that people know what is expected of the various roles. Ask for a volunteer to be treasurer, if you don't want to handle the money for the public art program.
Check to see if you have to get approval or permits for your program. If you want to use space at the public library for a drawing class, for example, it may have to be approved by the town council.
Write a public art program proposal. Use plain English and outline exactly what you hope to accomplish. Identify who will be involved, what it will cost and how you will evaluate it. Use bullet points and keep it brief.
Approach sponsors. Based on the budget you drew up at the beginning of the public art program, ask individuals, businesses, the Chamber of Commerce and service clubs if they would be willing to donate money, resources or space, as the need may be.
Establish a time line. Indicate what you want to accomplish this year. Also project what your medium and long-range public art program plans are going to be. This process help you establish benchmarks to aim for and helps keep things on track.
Decide how you will evaluate your public art program. It is important to monitor how effective your program is and how closely it addresses the original goals. Survey everyone involved -- students, people who come to the exhibitions, teachers who offer art classes -- to get their feedback. Base your future program plans on the data you collect.