Public Programming

Our public programming includes:

Artist Talks

Shiftworks has organized and partnered with organizations such as the Green Building Alliance and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership to host artist talks featuring renowned public artists Mel Chin, Jenny Holzer, Sheryl Oring, Jennifer Wen Ma, and others.

Lunch and Learns

Shiftworks hosts a series of Lunch and Learns during the weekday at lunchtime to feature dynamic guest speakers such as artists, fabricators, architects, and cultural producers. These hour-long talks are organized to provide a space for arts professionals and producers to hear an in-depth perspective from public art practitioners, and to connect Pittsburgh’s arts professionals to a wider audience and resources.

Public Art Training for Artists

Shiftworks hosts a variety of different educational trainings for artists who are interested in working in the public realm. Offerings include full-day intensive sessions, hands-on workshops, and visits to fabricators.

Walking Tours

Each month, Shiftworks offers a walking tour that takes participants to different parts of the region to explore public art and civic design. Tours have included visits to artist studios, parks, neighborhoods, and towns to see various styles of public art. Our walking tours have also taken place while riding bikes and in kayaks along our rivers.

The public is also encouraged to download our Art in Public Places walking tour guide. This resource offers self-guided walking tours in Downtown, the North Shore, and the North Side.

Other Scheduled Tours and Presentations

Please contact us if you are interested in working with Shiftworks to create a private tour or presentation for your intended audience. In the past, we have worked with local conference organizers, schools, professional organizations, and other entities to create custom tours and presentations to introduce public art to various ages and audiences.

Online Programming

Shiftworks developed new programs to be presented online when in-person public programming was temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

OPA Live!

In 2020, Shiftworks, then Office for Public Art, piloted a new Instagram series with support from the Pennsylvania Humanities Council. OPA Live! (formerly After Dinner Conversations) featured Pittsburgh-based cultural producers, including artists, writers, and curators, in dialogue with their peers in other locations nationally and internationally.

OPA Live! Extended

OPA Live! Extended was a three-part series spin-off of OPA Live!, a 30-minute Instagram series that featured Pittsburgh-based cultural producers in conversations with their peers around the country and globe. Inspired by this format, OPA Live! Extended provided more time for live in-depth conversations and interaction with the audience.