percent for art
PERCENT FOR ARTOverview
Established in 1959, the Percent for Art Ordinance applies to construction and remodeling projects planned through the City of Philadelphia's annual Capital budget process, as well as those developed at a departmental level.
The goal of the Percent for Art Program is to commission artists to create outstanding and enduring artwork, which will respond specifically to public spaces.The Percent for Art program considers all site-specific artworks. The inclusion of art at the site may occur in a variety of ways: as an integral part of the architectural and functional aspects of the project, or as a separate formal element of the site. Long-term maintenance, durability, and public safety concerns are major selection criteria.
Guidelines
The Percent for Art program issues a "Call for Artists" application for each eligible project, which outlines the project details and submission procedures. General requirements include submitting slides of past work, resume(s), and a statement of intent. All Percent for Art projects are open to professional artists and/or artistic teams. Residency requirements vary by project. To be added to our mailing list, click here.
For each project an independent selection panel, comprised of arts professionals, artists, community representatives, architects, and users of the facility, review artists' submissions. Artwork is selected on the basis of artistic merit, technical proficiency, and relationship to the site. Artists are required to comply with all applicable rules, methods and procedures of all governmental boards, bureaus, offices, commissions, and other agencies of the City of Philadelphia. The Percent for Art Program is designed to offer serious consideration to all artists with or without prior experience in public art.
History
In December of 1959, Philadelphia's City Council adopted one of the first Percent for Art Ordinances in the nation. Since 1959 more than 300 works of art have been commissioned through the City of Philadelphia's Percent for Art Program. The intent of the Percent for Art Ordinance is to enliven the City of Philadelphia's public environment by incorporating exceptional works of art into City construction projects. Works of art commissioned or purchased through the Percent for Art Program will hopefully engage lively discourse while raising community awareness and involvement in the future preservation of the City's collection of public art.
FAQ
I do not live in Philadelphia; may I apply for a Percent for Art commission?
Yes, however residency requirements vary by project. Many projects are open to artists who live anywhere within the United States, while others have specific residency requirements. Please check each Call for Artists application to confirm residency requirements.
How do I find out about upcoming Percent for Art projects?
Please check the website for information on current and upcoming projects. To be added to our mailing list click here.
Does the Public Art Program have a slide registry?
As of September 1998, the Public Art Program discontinued its slide registry. All artwork commissioned and purchased through the City's Percent for Art Program is selected on a project to project basis, and not through a slide registry; therefore, artists are required to submit an application specific to each project.
What is the Art Commission?
The Philadelphia Art Commission is comprised of eight (8) appointed members and the Commissioner of Public Property. It serves as an approval body for the design and location of public buildings and works of art acquired by the City, including those donated to the City or commissioned under the Percent for Art program.
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