A new public artwork now stands at the heart of Salt Lake City’s Fairpark neighborhood. Titled What We Build Together, the sculpture by Fairpark artist Matt Monsoon was recently installed in the traffic circle at 500 North and 1300 West.
Commissioned through the Salt Lake City Arts Council’s Public Art Program, What We Build Together marks a proud accomplishment: a public art commission created by a neighborhood artist. Deeply rooted in the Fairpark’s cultural fabric, Monsoon’s work was shaped by community input, inspired by shared values, and honors common people, especially youth and elders, whose resilience and wisdom often go unrecognized.
“As a Fairpark resident, I wanted to create something that makes my community proud and honors the many everyday unsung heroes who live here,” said Monsoon. “It's a tribute to the grandparents, neighbors, teachers, and friends who make this neighborhood special. I placed the figures atop an inverted pyramid to represent the idea of ‘power to the people,’ and I hope everyone sees a bit of themselves in it.”
What We Build Together challenges traditional ideas of power by placing community members at the top. The figures represent the neighbors whose quiet strength forms the backbone of Fairpark. Anchored in Monsoon’s personal connection to the area, the sculpture serves as both tribute and mirror — reflecting the intergenerational spirit of the community. A plaque at its base reads “Fairpark | SLC,” grounding the work in place and pride.
The site was identified for public art funding in December 2022 by the Salt Lake Art Design Board, in partnership with Salt Lake City Transportation, as part of a broader traffic calming effort along 500 North. Ahead of the 2023 artist call, the City’s Civic Engagement Team led a public survey, gathering input from over 240 residents and stakeholders that shaped the tone and direction of the future artwork.
From a competitive pool of Utah-based applicants, Matt Monsoon was unanimously recommended by the Design Board for his strong neighborhood ties and alignment with community themes of equity, identity, and pride. Mayor Erin Mendenhall approved the commission in 2023, with design and fabrication continuing through 2024 and installation completed in May 2025.
The sculpture was fabricated by Metal Arts Foundry and built for long-term outdoor durability, using robust, weather-resistant materials.
The project is managed by the Salt Lake City Arts Council’s Public Art Program in collaboration with the City’s Transportation and Engineering Divisions, with support from Civic Engagement, Metal Arts Foundry, and the Salt Lake Art Design board, Fairpark residents and community stakeholders played a vital role throughout the process.
For updates on this project and other work by the Public Art Program, follow @slc_publicartprogram on Instagram. The Public Art Program is a service of the Salt Lake City Arts Council, a division of Salt Lake City’s Department of Economic Development.
About Matt Monsoon
Matt Monsoon is a Utah-based artist and longtime resident of Salt Lake City’s Fairpark neighborhood, whose work is deeply rooted in the culture and character of the city’s West Side. Known for his vibrant, illustrative style and imaginative narratives, Monsoon’s art reflects themes of place, community, and belonging. Inspired by Fairpark’s multiculturalism and cooperative spirit, What We Build Together embodies his commitment to storytelling and inclusivity. His portfolio includes numerous public murals across Utah — including a major commission at the Salt Lake County Library in Kearns — and showcases his strength in engaging diverse audiences and uplifting community voices through art.
