Public art enriches the City's visual environment, integrates the creative thinking of artists into public construction projects, and provides a means for citizens and visitors to enjoy and experience cultural diversity. Over the years, the City of San Leandro has made great efforts to beautify and activate areas of the city with vibrant and original art by accomplished artists held in high esteem. In 2014, the City appointed its first Arts Commission. In 2017, a Public Art Master Plan (PDF) was completed under the guidance of the Arts Commission. The City's initiative is beginning to bear fruit as new developments are now including public art as inherent components of their designs.
On September 12, 2018, the Arts Commission announced a new Arts and Culture Grants Program, encouraging San Leandro artists and non-profit organizations to apply.