The percent for art programme

What is the percent for art programme?

The term "percent for art" refers to a programme whereby approximately one per cent of the construction costs of a public building project is reserved for the artistic improvement of the building or its immediate surroundings.

The percent for art programme can be implemented in several ways. Artwork can be bought for the finished building or the work can be ordered custom-made from an artist.

Aims of the programme

The purpose of the percent for art programme is to create a visually better living environment, to promote the well-being of the users of the building, to create new situations for meeting art, and to promote the work opportunities of artists.

Artworks produced under the percent for art programme can be found in hospitals, day care centres, official institutions and other public places.

The artist’s role in the project

Whenever possible, the artist should be contacted already in the planning stages of the construction project. This enables the artist to negotiate together with the architect and developer about all matters related to the placement of the artwork.

A custom-made work of art fits the building better than art that has been purchased after the building is completed.

An contract is drawn up with the artist who produces the artwork. The contract sets out the compensation, size, method of implementation and schedule of the work.

How is the percent for art programme carried out in practise?

Many cities and municipalities have a policy to follow the percent for art programme. The best expert regarding implementation of the programme is usually the local art museum.

In Helsinki, purchases of art under the programme are managed by the Public Works Department together with the Helsinki City Art Museum. The artist for each work of art is selected by the architect of the building or district, who is familiar with the requirements of the given space.

In Oulu, allowances for percent-for-art purchases are included in the building budget of the City of Oulu Technical Services. A working group decides on the purchases. The working group includes representatives of the Public Works Department and the Oulu Museum of Art in addition to the building architect and the user’s representative.

In the City of Salo, percent-for-art purchases are decided by the artwork procurement group, which includes representatives from the Art Museum Veturitalli, technical and cultural offices and the branch of administration for which the space is intended.