Percent for Art

About the Program

Ohio's Percent for Art legislation became effective July 1, 1990, recognizing the state's responsibility to foster culture and the arts and encourage the development of artists and craftspeople. The legislation provides funds for the acquisition, commissioning, and installation of works of art for new or renovated public buildings with appropriations of more than $4 million. For these projects, one percent of the total appropriation is allocated for artwork. More than 100 projects have been completed, bringing public art to major cities and small communities across the state.

Eligible Art Forms

• Paintings in all media, including portable and permanently affixed works such as murals
• Sculpture, including bas-relief, high relief, mobile, fountain, kinetic, environmental, electronic, and in-the-round sculpture
• Prints, calligraphy, clay, drawings, stained glass, mosaics, photographs, fiber and textiles, wood, metal, plastics and other materials
• Mixed media, including any combination of forms of media

Project Eligibility

• State appropriations must exceed $4 million
• Projects must involve construction or renovation of public buildings
• Excluded: parking lots, sidewalks, maintenance sheds, bridges, tunnels, sewers, trails, fishponds, warehouses (unless adjuncts of the principal element), temporary buildings, code violation corrections, and highway construction

Funding Allocation

One percent of the state money appropriated for the project shall be allocated to purchase works of art from the Ohio Arts Council for display in or on the public building, plus related outlays.

Guidelines

For detailed guidelines and application procedures, visit https://oac.ohio.gov/programs-and-services/percent-for-art/percent-for-art-guidelines