By deepening historical and cultural awareness with residents and visitors, the initiative encourages more meaningful engagement with Hawaiʻi’s ʻāina and its people.”It is all thanks to a one-million dollar grant the city won from the Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Art Challenge.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi and the Wahi Pana project team Monday announced the launch of Wahi Pana: Storied Places, a public art initiative that will showcase the history and culture of Oahu’s landmarks.

Honolulu is one of eight U.S. cities that won a grant for a public art project. Wahi Pana, or storied places, will feature 11 multimedia installations created by local artists and storytellers.

Public art provides free access to arts and culture while enlivening and reimagining our civic spaces. For residents and tourists, the projects create innovative ways to engage with public space, while bringing people together as a community.