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About the Program
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. It celebrates community identity while improving quality of life. Through public art, communities gain cultural, social, and economic value.
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. 1% is not calculated from the full CIP project budget.
Percent for Art Projects in Progress
These projects have been allocated funding for public art through the Percent for Art program. They are all in the artist selection, engagement, design, or fabrication stages. For more information about the artists and artwork, click the links in the Percent for Art Project column. Of the 29 lead artists in active Percent for Art projects, 19 are local to the Triangle region and North Carolina.
View the Interactive Map of all 2022 Parks Bond Projects
Learn more about Transportation Projects.
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.
Since the program was started, 15 public art projects have been completed and are currently on display at City facilities and parks. These artworks were designed by 17 artists, including nine local artists. Additional local artists were involved as fabricators and in community engagement.
Completed Percent for Art Projects
| Artists | Project Type | Percent for Art Projects | City Construction Project | Competed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vega Metals, Francis Vega and Neal Carlton* | Park | "Water Droplets" | Buffalo Road Athletic Park | 2012 |
| Matt McConnell*, Lee Cherry*, Marc Russo* | General Public Improvement | "Wilders Grove" | Wilders Grove Solid Waste Facility | 2014 |
| Pete Beeman | General Public Improvement | "Gear Drive" | NE Remote Operations Facility | 2014 |
| Christopher Fennell | Park | "Hoops Playing Hoops" | Halifax Park | 2015 |
| Ilan Averbuch | General Public Improvement | "Communicating Vessels" | Central Operations Facility | 2015 |
| Andy Dufford | General Public Improvement | "Equilibrium" | Central Communications Center | 2016 |
| Matt McConnell* and David McConnell* | Park | "Sway" and "Growth" | Market and Exchange Plazas | 2016 |
| Jann Rosen-Queralt | Transportation | "Percolare" | Sandy Forks | 2017 |
| David Dahlquist | Transportation | "Hillsborough Piers" | Hillsborough Street Phase II | 2019 |
| Douwe Blumberg | General Public Improvement | "The Iron Roof" | Fire Station 12 | 2019 |
| Brad Goldberg | Park | "Grove Rooms" | Moore Square | 2019 |
| Brian Brush | General Public Improvement | "SONARC" | Martin Marietta Center for Performing Arts | 2020 |
| Thomas Sayre* | Transportation | “Breath of Gods” | Union Station Canopy | 2020 |
| David Wilson* | Park | "Chavis Reclaimed" | John Chavis Memorial Park | 2021 |
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