Statement from the Public Arts Commission

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – April 30, 2025 – The Public Arts Commission (PAC) remains committed to serving the Grand Forks community with integrity, transparency and accountability.  In light of recent public allegations involving former board member Bruce Gjovig, we feel it is important to provide clarification.

We want to be clear: Bruce Gjovig no longer holds any role or affiliation with the Public Arts Commission. He concluded his volunteer board service in March 2022. Since that time, PAC has not accepted any funds from him nor maintained any formal partnerships.

Following recent concerning developments, PAC is currently working with organizational partners to remove Gjovig’s private art collection from the permanent art galleries, which was first installed in 2018.

The Public Arts Commission is dedicated to building a safe, inclusive and respectful arts environment—one that reflects the highest standards of public trust and celebrates the unifying power of the arts. We continue to focus on our mission of supporting and promoting local artists and arts organizations of all mediums, developing public art initiatives, and cultivating a vibrant creative community.

For more information about our programs and initiatives, please visit www.publicartnd.org or contact us at info@publicartnd.org.