The University of North Florida brought together artists and arts leaders on Thursday for an engaging conversation to provide students with insight into various careers.
This event highlighted careers in public art that involve collaboration with professionals in art and design, as well as experiences working on sculptures, murals, and public art projects.
On Feb. 26, the University of North Florida’s Department of Art, Art History, and Design hosted Talks with Tacos: Public Art. Four guest speakers, including UNF faculty, alumni, and community partners, spoke at this event, according to the UNF events website. They shared their experiences creating sculptures, murals, and public art projects.
Talkin’ Tacos were available for students to eat and socialize. Jennifer Graham is the department’s administrative secretary and event organizer, according to UNF’s website.
Ana Brown
Talkin’ Tacos were available for students to eat and socialize.
At the University of North Florida’s Department of Art, Art History, and Design, public art plays a vital educational and community role, Graham said. “It serves as hands-on learning, giving students real-world experience designing and installing large-scale works such as the UNF Seaside Sculpture Park. Engaging with the arts helps students become more innovative, culturally aware, and well-rounded professionals—regardless of their major. ”
“These events expose students to new perspectives, problem-solving approaches, and cultural conversations that enhance critical thinking and communication skills,” Graham said. “They also offer networking opportunities, interdisciplinary inspiration, and a deeper connection to campus life.”
Diverse career pathways through community art
According to the UNF events page, Kat Wright, director of public art for the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, attended Talks with Tacos: Public Art. In her role, Wright oversees the council’s public art initiatives, providing leadership and strategic direction for arts programming.
Art students have to extend beyond artistic practice to create public art, Wright said. “They need to collaborate with other designers, urban planners, transportation engineers, surveyors, etc., depending on the project. It’s definitely a marriage between the right and left brains. It’s not only art students who can connect to a creative career. Students from many different degree paths are needed to shape the built environment.”
The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville website said that public art programming also has clear ties to economic development through increased property values, destination building, business attraction, and a rich quality of life.
Communities shaped by public art
According to the Americans for the Arts Public Art Network Council’s green paper, “Why Public Art Matters,” cities gain cultural, social, and economic value from public art. Public art is a distinguished part of our public history and culture.
“Through open conversations, students learn about real-world career paths, professional challenges, and practical skills such as portfolio development, networking, and navigating the art world,” Graham said. “Attending free art events like Talks with Tacos at the University of North Florida is valuable for all students—not just art majors — because creativity and visual literacy benefit every field.”
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