Submission Guidelines

SF Art Map – Public Art Criteria

SF Art Map exists to help visitors and residents discover inspiring and accessible public art throughout San Francisco. We curate the map through the perspective of a first-time visitor exploring the city on foot.

Before submitting artwork, please review the criteria below.

1. Visitor-Centered Curation

We prioritize artwork that:

  • A visitor to San Francisco would reasonably seek out or enjoy seeing
  • Contributes to the cultural identity or visual experience of the city
  • Is publicly visible and photographable

Submissions that are obscure, inaccessible, or primarily private in nature may not be approved.

2. Walkability Requirement

SF Art Map is designed around pedestrian exploration.

Eligible submissions must:

  • Be safely reachable by foot
  • Be located on or directly adjacent to a public sidewalk or public pathway
  • Not require restricted access or special permission

We do not include artworks located inside private offices whose lobbies are not open to the public, residential buildings, or gated properties.

3. Public Accessibility

Art must be accessible to the general public during normal business hours.

Eligible examples include:

  • Outdoor sculptures and murals
  • Public plazas and civic installations
  • Art located inside publicly accessible buildings (e.g., hotels, banks, office lobbies) that are open to the public during regular business hours

Art must be viewable without special credentials, private appointments, or invitation.

4. No Admission-Required Locations

We do not list artworks that require paid admission.

Specifically excluded:

  • Museum collections requiring an entry ticket
  • Gallery exhibitions behind paid access
  • Art inside ticketed attractions

However, artwork located outside museum buildings, in courtyards, plazas, or other freely accessible exterior spaces may be eligible.

5. Temporary Installations

Temporary or rotating works may be approved if:

  • They are publicly accessible without admission
  • They are expected to remain on view for a reasonable period of time
  • Their anticipated removal date is clearly noted

6. Photography and Attribution

You may only upload:

  • Photographs you personally took; or
  • Images you have legal rights to share

Submissions should include:

  • Artist name (if known)
  • Title (if available)
  • Year (if known)
  • Location accuracy

Clear, well-lit photographs that clearly show the artwork increase the likelihood of approval.

7. Quality and Relevance

We reserve editorial discretion to decline submissions that:

  • Do not meet public accessibility standards
  • Are poorly documented or inaccurately located
  • Are commercial advertisements disguised as art
  • Do not align with the mission of showcasing meaningful public art

Our goal is to maintain a curated, high-quality public archive—not an exhaustive directory of every decorative object in the city.

8. Final Review and Approval

All submissions are reviewed before publication. Approval is not guaranteed.

SF Art Map reserves the right to:

  • Edit descriptions for clarity
  • Adjust map placement
  • Decline or remove submissions at its discretion

Thank you for helping us map the creative spirit of San Francisco. Every submission strengthens this shared archive and makes the city more discoverable for residents and visitors alike. We look forward to seeing the works that inspire you and to continuing to build this resource together.