Maine's Percent for Art Program

Public Art

Percent for Art Program

Arts in the Capitol

Percent for Art Opportunities

Percent for Art Directory

Public Art Information

Public Art Resources

Maine Percent for Art Call(s) and current opportunities

Ocean Avenue Elementary, Portland: $45,000

Public art creates a common ground that invites everyone to the cultural conversation. It affords an opportunity for anyone to join in, to think, and to discuss the world they live in.

The Percent for Art Act (27 M.R.S., C16) was enacted in 1979 to provide funds for the acquisition of public artworks for newly constructed or renovated state-funded buildings. These projects include public schools, community colleges and University of Maine facilities, and all State buildings that interface with the public. Under the law, an amount equal to one percent of the construction budget is set aside to purchase works of art.

"Fiddleheads" by Jim Sardonis, 2005. Bronze, Quebec Prairie green granite, ash. 9.5'x44"x60". Commissioned for the Caroline D. Gentile Hall at the University of Maine at Presque Isle.

The Maine Arts Commission facilitates the Percent for Art selection-process and makes sure the decisions are made in a fair and equitable manner. At the beginning of the process a committee of five members is established to evaluate proposals and recommend artists to commission. The committee is constituted of two site representatives, two art-voices form the community and the project architect. The Maine Arts Commission assists the committee by managing administrative duties like processing submissions, generating presentations, scheduling meetings, contracting selected artists, archiving projects, and being a knowledgeable resource about the state of art in Maine. The contracting agency retains final authority over the selection of artwork, but the Maine Arts Commission ensures the process is efficient, unbiased, and that the site has a diverse range of art to consider.

The Percent for Art process is designed not only to commission artwork, but to build community. The process encourages discussions relating to community, history, progress, values, and cultural identity. Many communities decide to make an event out of the meetings and the eventual art installation.

Percent for Art submission guidelines and more detailed information about the Percent for Art program can be found in the Information section. Archived projects can be accessed in the Public Art Directory.

For more information about Maine's Percent for Art Program, contact Kerstin Gilg, public art and new media associate at 207/287-6719 or kerstin.gilg@maine.gov.