Public Art at UVA

Charge

The Committee on Public Art advises the Executive Vice President and Provost on issues related to the acquisition and placement of works of art in public spaces outside the curated collections of the University. The Committee's jurisdiction covers all exterior areas of the University Grounds. In carrying out its charge, the Committee is responsible for:

• Promoting the acquisition of high-quality public art and its standard of care on the University Grounds
• Establishing a clear set of procedures and criteria for art on the University grounds, guiding the purchase of works, the commissioning of new work, and the acceptance of donated works
• Meeting when called by the Committee Chair to review proposed art according to established criteria
• Developing a program to solicit public comment and participation in determining the appropriate site for acquired works
• Providing a written report to the Executive Vice President and Provost summarizing the Committee's conclusions on any proposed acquisition and its site selection

* Statuary and historic fragments are not considered public art; they are the responsibility of the University's Historic Preservation staff.

For Full Details and Committee Structure, please see the Committee on Public Art >

Temporary Public Art Application for Consideration by the Public Art Committee 

The Committee on Public Art advises the Executive Vice President and Provost on issues related to the acquisition and placement of works of art in public spaces outside the curated collections of the University.

The Committee serves as an advocate for the artist’s vision while considering the University’s interests relating to social, historical, cultural and political issues in the selection and placement of public art. The following approval process is intended to guide and protect both the artist and the University of Virginia.

Guidance regarding the acceptance, commission and installation of “temporary” public art may be obtained through the Chair or the Executive Secretary. The Committee’s charge covers all outdoor areas on the University grounds, excluding areas directly surrounding a building, where the work is part of the curriculum or program and can be considered an extension of the classroom.  

This form must be completed and received by the Committee at least 60 days prior to contract closure or installation to allow for adequate review.  In the case of student projects, a 45-day period will be allowed. In all cases the Committee should be involved as early as possible. This is especially true with artists from outside the University community.  Committee recommendation and approval by the Provost’s office is required prior to finalizing agreements or signing contracts. 

The Committee on Public Art will strive to act within 30 working days of receiving a proposal. An additional 10 working days are allowed for Provost approval. Approval is not automatic. The Committee does not provide funding. 

Permanent Public Art Acquisition Phases & Criteria for Consideration by the Public Art Committee

The Committee is primarily an advocate for the artist’s vision while considering social, historical, cultural, and political issues in the selection and placement of the artwork. The following approval process is intended to guide and protect both the artist and the University of Virginia. The Committee’s charge covers all outdoor areas on the University grounds.  

This form must be completed and received by the Committee to allow for adequate review. There will be numerous steps in the review process and sponsors should take that timeline into account. 

The Committee on Public Art will act within 60 working days of receiving a proposal. An additional 10 working days are allowed for the Provost’s approval. Approval is not automatic. The Committee does not provide funding. 

PHASE 1: INITIAL PROPOSAL: Application Linked Below

PHASE 2: DESIGN AND REVIEW

1. If approved by the Public Art Committee, contact the Office of the Architect to coordinate the next phase of work, which will be focused on design and review. 
2. The Office of the Architect and FM staff will support the assessment of the design and engineering requirements for the artwork, such as lighting, pedestal, foundation, security, access, liability, and other considerations such as budgeting. 
3. The University may procure related design/engineering and cost-estimating services for the installation of the artwork through term contracts or other procurement methods. 
4. The artwork and related design will then need to be approved by the following entities: 
   • Arboretum & Landscape Committee
   • University Building Official
   • BOV Buildings & Grounds Committee
   • Art & Architecture Review Board in Richmond
   • Others as needed

PHASE 3: INSTALLATION

1. If approved by all review entities, the following general steps may proceed. The schedule and scope will vary depending on the complexity of the installation. 
2. The sponsor may procure the artwork.
3. University to confirm construction schedule and budget.
4. University to procure construction services.
5. University to commence installation.

CRITERIA: 

1. The work’s relationship to the educational mission of the University—
   1. strengthening art education
   2. demonstrating the value of art in public life
   3. enriching the visual environment
   4. other factors
2. Significance of the individual work—
   1. aesthetics, uniqueness, originality, authenticity
   2. representation of a style or context
   3. quality of the fabrication
   4. other factors
3. Significance of the artist(s) —
   1. at the local, regional, national, or international level
   2. emerging or established
4. Ethical and socio-political considerations—
   1. potential impacts to the University and/or local community
   2. the work’s demonstrated provenance
   3. other factors
5. Availability of appropriate site(s)—
   1. considering the scale and design of adjacent buildings and landscape
   2. context and thematic relationships
   3. access needs
   4. other factors
6. Safety and security considerations—
   1. ability to secure and protect the work
   2. maintain the safety of members of the public interacting with it
7. Maintenance considerations—
   1. the University’s ability to provide appropriate long-term maintenance and conservation measures
8. Need for interpretation—
   1. through media such as plaques, signs, apps, brochures, or online material
9. Appropriate level of resources—
   1. to purchase the work
   2. to fund staffing and maintenance
   3. other factors

Related site design, review, and installation of the work(s) would follow the process defined in the General Application for the Acceptance, Commission, or Installation of Permanent Public Art - attached below.

Past Projects: