Percent for art programs are active in 27 states and territories.* Below is a summary of each program along with a description of the state arts agency’s role in it, which varies by state and may include serving as an advisor, managing the artist roster, maintaining the state art collection, commissioning artworks and selecting installation sites, among other things.
This information comes from publicly available sources, including state legislation and state arts agency websites. Legislation for each state’s program is available via NASAA’s Percent for Art Policy Brief.
Year Established: 1975
Role of State Arts Agency
The SAA may use funds to:
(1) commission or purchase a work of art that is to be made a permanent part of, or placed on loan in, a building or facility owned or leased by the state that has substantial public use; and
(2) meet expenses for a commissioned work of art for a building or facility that has substantial public use if the cost of the work of art exceeds the amount $250,000.
Funding Source
Up to 1% of capital construction costs of public buildings are set aside for acquisition and permanent installation of artwork and deposited into a fund managed by the SAA.
Artist Selection
Artists are selected by the architect and approved by the Department of Transportation in consultation with the SAA and principal user of the facility.
Other Information
The program is managed by Department of Transportation. Preference is given to Native art objects and Alaskan artists.
Year Established: 1977
Role of State Arts Agency
Acquisition of artwork forms the state art collection, which is developed and administered by the SAA. The SAA is a member on eight-person selection committee, posts calls for entry, reviews committee recommendations and provides final approval.
Funding Source
Each capital construction appropriation for a public construction project shall include as a nondeductible item an allocation of not less than 1% of the state funded portion of the total capital construction costs for use in the acquisition of works of art. Any capital construction project that is the subject of a lease purchase agreement that provides for lease payments from moneys that have been appropriated in full or in part by the state must include in the project budget an allocation of not less than 1% of the total construction costs to be used for the acquisition of works of art.
Artist Selection
A committee determines artist selection. This committee includes the project architect, a representative of the state agency with jurisdiction over the site, a tenant or daily user of the building, a citizen representing the host community, a professional artist, a member of the SAA, and one member each from the Colorado Senate and the House of Representatives.
Other Information
Upon installation the artwork becomes property of the state.
Art in Public Spaces (moratorium 2018-2019)
Year Established: 1978
Role of State Arts Agency
The SAA is responsible for defining the type and specific location of the artwork, administering the selection of the artist and allocating program account expenditures.
Funding Source
The State Bond Commission—in the allocation of proceeds of state bonds for the purposes of construction, reconstruction or remodeling of any state building—shall allocate for works of art an amount not less than 1% of the total estimated cost of construction, reconstruction or remodeling.
Artist Selection
The SAA assembles a site committee, which includes arts professionals, and tasks it with developing and advertising an RFQ or RFP. Artists interested in being considered for public art opportunities must respond to the RFQ or RFP as instructed, which in most cases is to register with the Connecticut Office of the Arts Artist Registry. The site committee selects artists.
Other Information
Artists registered with the Artist Registry are continuously considered for every public art project for which they are eligible. The SAA maintains an inventory of all artwork in state buildings.
The state legislature and governor enacted a two-year moratorium (for 2018-2019) in 2017.
Year Established: 1986
Role of State Arts Agency
The SAA reviews and approves all proposals and recommendations made by the selection committee.
Funding Source
An allocation exists in the capital budget of up to 1% for the commission and acquisition of artwork.
Artist Selection
A selection committee reviews submissions and recommends one finalist to the SAA for final approval.
Other Information
Professional artists residing in D.C. with site-specific and/or public art experience are preferred.
Year Established: 1979
Role of State Arts Agency
The SAA is notified upon receipt of appropriations for original construction and the amount for purchase or commission of artwork.
Funding Source
Up to 0.5% of the construction appropriation is used to acquire artwork for permanent display in the interior or exterior of public access facilities. The amount is not to exceed $100,000.
Artist Selection
Artists are solicited by either invitation or open competition. A local selection committee is formed for each project, which then determines placement, reviews submissions and makes selections. Committee responsibilities depend on the size of the allocation.
Year Established: 1979
Role of State Arts Agency
The SAA facilitates the process of selecting artwork and helps enforce compliance with the Art in Public Places policy.
Funding Source
At least 1% of the overall cost of construction, remodeling or renovation of a public building funds the creation, installation, maintenance and the SAA’s administration of public art in the building. Capital projects costing less than $100,000 are exempt from the requirement. This provision also applies to buildings with public areas that are subsidized by the federal or Guam government. At the building owner’s or tenant agency’s discretion, the 1% amount may be allocated to the SAA in lieu of installing public art.
Artist Selection
For each project, the SAA appoints a selection committee that includes a representative of the building’s owner/agency, the project architect, the municipal commissioner from the project site, and at least two practicing artists from Guam. The SAA’s director makes the final decision based on the selection committee’s recommendations.
Other Information
Each territorial-government building must contain elements of either Guam history or Chamorro artistry. The SAA helps ensure compliance with this provision.
Year Established: 1967
Role of State Arts Agency
The SAA coordinates management of public art projects.
Funding Source
One percent of all state funded appropriations for capital improvements is designated for the construction costs, provided this transfer applies only to capital improvement appropriations designated for the construction or renovation of state buildings. Funding is used for acquisition costs, site modifications, maintenance, and storage and transport of artwork.
Artist Selection
Works of art are commissioned on the recommendation of an Art Advisory Committee, appointed by the SAA board to assist with the selection of a location, to define the medium and theme of the artwork, to recommend an artist, and to review design proposals. Typically, the committee is chaired by a building’s chief administrator and includes representatives from the SAA, user group and community. The SAA board also appoints one of its commissioners, staff representatives of appropriate state agencies, and technical and artistic consultants as necessary. The governor-appointed SAA board has to approve art concepts.
Other Information
The program acquires completed, portable works of art and commissions artists to create works of art for specific locations.
Year Established: 1977
Role of State Arts Agency
The SAA’s council chair determines the location and character of each percent for art installation in consultation with the project architect. The SAA provides administrative support to the Fine Arts Review Committee, which recommends three artists/artworks for each project. From this slate, the council chair choses one artist/artwork. The chair also heads the Fine Arts Review Committee.
Funding Source
If the budget for constructing or renovating a public building exceeds $1 million, 0.05% of the capital expenditure is set aside for the acquisition of public artwork to be installed in the building. Eligible capital projects must be financed in whole or part by state funds.
Artist Selection
The Fine Arts Review Committee, led by the SAA’s council chair, recommends three artists/artworks for each project. The SAA’s council chair makes the final selection from this slate of recommendations.
Other Information
Illinois Capital Development Board administers the Art-in-Architecture program.
Year Established: 1979 (rescinded in 2017)
Role of State Arts Agency
This program was legislatively rescinded in 2017, so there is no longer a statewide percent for art mechanism in Iowa. The SAA, however, continues to steward the state’s public art collection that grew from the Art in State Buildings program.
Funding Source
Prior to the program’s rescission, no less than 0.5% of the total estimated cost of constructing a state building was set aside for public art.
Artist Selection
Prior to the program’s rescission, selection was made through public competition. Preference was given to Iowa artists (living or deceased).
Year Established: 1999
Role of State Arts Agency
The SAA manages and oversees all aspects of the program. It acts as a facilitator and serves as nonvoting chair on the selection panels.
Funding Source
If the budget for constructing or renovating a state building is equal to or greater than $2 million in state funds, then 1% of the state money is to be used to acquire, conserve or restore and install works of art for display in, on or on the grounds of the state building.
Artist Selection
The final selection is determined by the Assistant Secretary of the Office of Cultural Development, in consultation with the primary building tenant, the SAA and the architect. Preference is given to Louisiana artists.
Year Established: 1979
Role of State Arts Agency
After receiving notification of an eligible construction or renovation project from the Bureau of General Services, the SAA convenes a selection committee that includes the project architect, two representatives from the project site and two curatorial voices appointed by the SAA. The selection committee makes decisions about space, allocation of funding and artwork themes. It also develops the RFP for artists. The SAA facilitates the RFP process. The selection committee chooses the winning artist application. The SAA charges the project site an administration fee of 5% of the 1% of the total appropriation for the construction or renovation project.
Funding Source
In the construction or renovation of buildings funded through taxpayer dollars, 1% of the construction appropriation (with a cap of $50,000 for K-12 schools) is appropriated for acquiring works of art. State office buildings, universities, transportation facilities and courthouses are eligible for the full 1%. Prisons and infrastructure projects are exempt. Any site can opt out of the process. In those cases the dollars revert to the general fund.
Artist Selection
Artist selection begins with an RFP process and concludes with a vote by the selection committee. The committee’s selection needs to be approved by the project site, SAA commission members and the Bureau of General Services.
Maryland Public Art Commission
Year Established: 2005
Role of State Arts Agency
The SAA staffs the Commission on Public Art.
Funding Source
A mandatory appropriation not to exceed $1 million each fiscal year is placed in the state budget for the Maryland Public Art Fund. Grants made to local governments must be matched.
Artist Selection
The Commission establishes separate panels to recommend artists and artwork.
Other Information
The Commission consists of 11 members and manages all elements of the program. All artwork funded by the program is owned by Maryland Historical Trust.
Percent for Art in Public Places
Year Established: 1984
Role of State Arts Agency
The SAA administers the program. The purpose of the program is to facilitate the acquisition of works of art to be exhibited within and around state buildings, in areas that are accessible on a regular basis to members of the public.
Funding Source
Up to 1% of state capital projects costing more than $500,000 and financed wholly or in part by the State of Minnesota may be used for the acquisition and installation of original works of art. Both new construction and renovation projects are eligible. The percent-for-art allocation is optional.
Artist Selection
The SAA generally uses a site selection committee to select artwork for a site. Members of the committee must have familiarity with public art issues and acquisition procedures or experience with community-based visual arts projects. The committee includes representatives of client agencies, the architect, artists and individuals with expertise in a number of arts-related disciplines.
Year Established: 1983
Role of State Arts Agency
The SAA administers the program, allocates funding and advises throughout the process.
Funding Source
Capital project appropriations by the state legislature include a maximum of 1% of the total appropriation for use by the SAA to acquire new artworks, maintain existing works and pay for administration costs. The typical appropriation for artwork is 0.25%.
Artist Selection
The SAA appoints a selection committee consisting of the project architect, a building representative and a local artist to determine the artwork chosen. The selection must be approved by the 15-member board that oversees the SAA.
Other Information
The state has sole ownership of all acquired artwork.
Year Established: 1978
Role of State Arts Agency
The SAA acts as project consultant for selection and execution of the artwork, and it is responsible for maintaining the collection inventory and conducting condition assessments. The SAA also designates a portion of project administrative fees toward a general maintenance and repair fund.
Funding Source
One percent of the original construction appropriation for state buildings is used in the acquisition of artwork, less certain construction costs and any SAA administrative fees and costs related to the project.
Artist Selection
A committee is organized to help select the artwork and consults with the SAA in making its recommendations. Preference is given to regional artists.
Other Information
All artwork becomes the property of the state.
Year Established: 1979
Role of State Arts Agency
The SAA coordinates the acquisition and installation of artwork funded through the program and provides management and stewardship for the collection.
Funding Source
Half of 1% of the first $15 million of the bid contract price of each new building or major addition authorized by the capital budget to be paid from the general fund. “Major addition” is defined as any addition which increases the square footage of the building to which it is being added by 25% or more. Contracts for the following projects are excluded: repairs; the University system of New Hampshire; projects paid for by the highway fund, fish and game fund, or federal funds; and self-liquidating projects.
Artist Selection
A Site Selection Committee is established for each building that generates a project. The committee includes representatives from agencies housed in the building, those responsible for maintaining the building, the architect, and, when possible, a Council member, an artist, and an elected representative from the district where the building is located. The committee is charged with identifying potential locations most accessible to the public, outlining artwork themes, reviewing proposals submitted by artists, and selecting the artwork. SAA staff facilitates committee meetings, administers the artist contracts, and serves as liaison to the building for installations.
Other Information
Eighty percent of Percent for Art funds generated by specific building projects is used for acquiring artwork for the building generating the funds; the balance is used for related costs and to periodically acquire artwork for state buildings not generating Percent for Art funds (Arts Bank Collection).
Year Established: 1978
Role of State Arts Agency
The SAA acts as consultant in determining artwork for inclusion in building design.
Funding Source
Up to 1.5% of the state financed construction budget is allocated for the commissioning and installation of artwork.
Artist Selection
The artwork is selected by the architect and contractor in consultation with the SAA and building tenant. The SAA has the flexibility to determine selection criteria for the process, including through public competition. Preference is given to New Jersey artists.
Year Established: 1986
Role of State Arts Agency
The SAA administers the program and Art in Public Places Fund, and it sets the policies for selecting and acquiring artwork.
Funding Source
For each appropriated capital expenditure over $100,000, a nondeductible amount is allocated that is equal to 1% or $200,000 (whichever is less). If the total amount is not required for the artwork then the remainder returns to the Art in Public Places Fund and is used to acquire artwork for existing state buildings. This money is not swept but remains in the Fund after each fiscal year.
Artist Selection
The selection of original artwork or large-scale projects is made by two community panels: the Regional Buying Committee for projects under $40,000 and the Local Selection Committee for projects above $40,000.
Other Information
For budgets under $40,000, there are two initiatives (New Mexico Only Purchase Initiative and Acclaimed Artists Series) to acquire original artwork. For budgets above $40,000, site-specific artwork is integrated into the building’s architecture. Each year, the SAA partners with a local community to commission up to 10 temporary, visually engaging and conceptually rich environmental artworks to be displayed for a short-term exhibition in that community.
Year Established: 1990
Role of State Arts Agency
The SAA administers the program, acts as a liaison between the artist and state agency (both contracts and pays the artist) and participates as a nonvoting member on the selection committee.
Funding Source
If a capital project is appropriated more than $4 million, then 1% of the total appropriation is allocated for the acquisition of artwork. The contracting agency purchases the artwork from the SAA.
Artist Selection
The SAA makes the final decision in the selection process, but the state’s contracting agency coordinates the initial selection committee. Artists are chosen through open competition, juried invitational or curator selection.
Other Information
Public buildings can also purchase artwork outside of this program.
The SAA maintains an artist registry.
Year Established: 2004
Role of State Arts Agency
The SAA has managed the program since state legislation enacted in 2015 transferred responsibility for it from the Oklahoma Historical Society to the Oklahoma Arts Council. The program was on hiatus from 2011 to July 2014 because the state legislature enacted a three-year moratorium on it. Between the end of the moratorium and the transfer of the program to the SAA, the program was inactive because it did not have director.
Funding Source
One and one-half percent of capital construction costs above $250,000 are allocated for artwork with a maximum, single project assessment of $500,000. This money is transferred to a revolving fund administered by the Historical Society. If private money is provided, the amount goes into a subaccount for each project and does not replace the state’s allocation.
Artist Selection
Public notifications for artists are made on both the Art in Public Places and SAA websites. The SAA executive director is member of the Oversight Committee, which has final decision in artist selection. Site committees recommend placement and three to five artists for selection.
Other Information
All artwork becomes property of the state.
Year Established: 1975
Role of State Arts Agency
The SAA manages the program, oversees the selection and installation process, and educates other state agencies on the need for public art.
Funding Source
No less than 1% of direct construction funds for new or remodeled state building budgets above $100,000 is set aside for the acquisition of artwork. If the total allocation is not used, the SAA and contracting agency can negotiate ways to use the remaining funds.
Artist Selection
The artist is selected by a committee made up of the architect, artists and building tenants. It is chaired by the SAA’s public art/visual arts coordinator.
Other Information
The SAA maintains a registry of prequalified artists. Artist maintains copyright unless otherwise noted in contract.
Year Established: 1987
Role of State Arts Agency
The SAA administers the program, contracts with the artists, authorizes expenditures from the public arts fund, appoints selection panel members, directs maintenance, and submits an annual report.
Funding Source
At least 1% of construction costs is appropriated for the inclusion of artwork. If construction costs are less than $250,000, any funds for artwork can be transferred for other buildings.
Artist Selection
The final selection is determined by the SAA in consultation with a selection panel.
Year Established: 1979
Role of State Arts Agency
The SAA is available to consult with state agencies, counties, municipalities and other political subdivisions of the state undertaking a percent for art installation. SAA staff can advise on a number of issues, such as project scope, RFP development, the review process, intellectual property rights and artwork conservation. The SAA also can promote project RFPs on its website.
Funding Source
Any state agency, county, municipality or political subdivision undertaking a capital construction project costing more than $250,000 may set aside, at its discretion, up to 1% of the cost of the project for a public art installation.
Artist Selection
The state agency, county, municipality or other political subdivision undertaking a percent for art installation manages the artist section process.
Year Established: 1985
Role of State Arts Agency
The SAA administers all aspects of the program including design of grant procedures, contracts with artists, and maintenance of artwork.
Funding Source
One percent of all state building construction costs (new or renovated) is allocated for existing or commissioning of new artwork. Any funds not used are considered nonlapsing and do not revert to the general fund.
Artist Selection
All artwork is screened by a committee, with final decision made by the director of the principal user of the facility. Preference is given to Utah artists.
Other Information
Work is owned by the state.
Year Established: 1988
Role of State Arts Agency
The SAA administers the program, facilitates the process, and oversees artist contracts and installation of artwork. A Legislative Advisory Committee oversees the art acquisition fund and the program guidelines, criteria, and project recommendations. The SAA appoints persons to the art selection panel.
Funding Source
Up to $50,000 is transferred each year from capital funds already appropriated for projects over $1 million; the amount remaining in the art acquisition fund does not revert to general fund.
Artist Selection
An art selection panel of peers selects the artist, reviews project design with the artist and determines placement of artwork.
Year Established: 1974
Role of State Arts Agency
The SAA administers the program, including the process of acquisition and conservation of artwork. Artwork is state-owned as part of the State Art Collection, which includes more than 4,500 artworks sited in K-12 public schools, state colleges and universities, and state buildings. A limited number of works are sited through a long-term loan agreement. The SAA facilitates a six-meeting process involving local art selection committees.
Funding Source
Half of 1% of capital appropriations for new construction (and renovation projects exceeding $200,000 for universities and colleges) is allocated for the acquisition and conservation of artwork, as per state statute. Capital projects include K-12 public schools, state colleges and universities, and state buildings.
Artist Selection
Local committees select artists from a Public Artist Roster; the Roster is established through a juried application process every three years. In addition to artist selection, committees are empowered to vote on final proposals.
Other Information
All artwork becomes a part of the State Art Collection, which is managed by the SAA, including conservation and maintenance.
Year Established: 1991
Role of State Arts Agency
The SAA designates an advisory panel for the artwork selection and provides public education programs on such artwork.
Funding Source
One percent of new state construction costs is allocated for acquisition of artwork, not to exceed $100,000.
Artist Selection
The artist is selected by a committee that determines the location, method of acquisition and type of competition. Preference is given to Wyoming artists.
Other Information
Upon acquisition the artwork becomes the property of the state art collection.
* Massachusetts’s governor issued an executive order creating a percent for art program in 2014, but the program has yet to be established. Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina and Wisconsin had but no longer have programs. Information about the former programs is available upon request.
Current as of January 2024