Public funding for the arts has rarely been stable in recent years, and private philanthropy is often locally focused. But not always.

On Tuesday, Bloomberg Philanthropies, the charitable organization founded by former New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, announced that it has chosen cities across the United States to receive grants of up to $1 million to support public art projects. The funds will go to four projects, in Los Angeles; Gary, Ind.; Spartanburg, S.C.; and a joint proposal from three New York cities — Albany, Schenectady and Troy.