Program Goals
The Percent for Art program's goal is to create and integrate diverse artworks into Raleigh's landscape to establish a vibrant, visual environment that provides public places with civic distinction, as well as fostering meaningful connections between people and place.
Investing in artwork is an investment in our communities and celebrates community identity while improving quality of life. Communities gain cultural, social, and economic value through public art.
How It Works
Capital Improvement Projects that meet the Percent for Art ordinance standards are eligible to use 1% of the estimated construction budget for public art. Eligible Percent for Art projects are reviewed and allocated to projects by the volunteer Public Art & Design Board.
The Percent for Art percentage is calculated from the estimated “hard” construction project budgets. “Soft” costs such as professional services (i.e., architectural, engineering, surveying), land acquisition, and equipment are not included in the Percent for Art funding.
Program History
In 2009 the passage of a City ordinance set aside one-half of one percent of municipal construction funds for public art. The Raleigh Arts Commission developed the public art program and appointed the Public Art and Design Board to oversee the implementation of public art projects.
In 2016, the Percent for Art allocation was increased to one percent. Several projects involving local and national artists are currently in development to integrate public art into select Raleigh sites.
