Program Overview

In 1977 the Colorado General assembly passed the Art in Public Places Act, requiring allocation of one percent of capital construction funds for new or renovated state buildings for the acquisition of works of art for the project site. These art acquisitions form the state art collection, developed and administered by the Colorado Creative Industries. The works selected through this program represent great diversity in style, imagery, materials and techniques.

By uniting artists, architecture, and host community, the Art in Public Places Program (AIPP) integrates the art experience into the built environment and civic spaces. The AIPP program has successfully commissioned or purchased over 400 works of art for the enhancement of state buildings and the enjoyment of Colorado citizens.

Selection of the Artwork

By law, each public art process is facilitated by a committee of at least eight members: the project architect, a representative of the state agency under whose jurisdiction the site resides, a "tenant" or daily user of the building, a citizen representing the host community, a professional artist, a member of CCA, and one member each from the Colorado Senate and the House of Representatives. To view our recent public art committees click here.

The art selection committee's initial task is to identify the scope, requirements, and criteria for the public art project. All Calls for Entry are posted on callforentry.org as well as the CCA site. CCA does not maintain an artist’s register. CCA staff members facilitate the selection process of the final artwork and the Council on the Arts reviews the committee recommendations for final approval. Upon installation, all purchased or commissioned works of art become the property of the State of Colorado.

Benefits of the Art in Public Places Program

Public art is an amenity accessible to all. In addition to the appreciating value of the artwork purchased through this program, other benefits accrue to the state and its citizens. Client agencies report that art work has a positive impact on morale, encourages employee creative problem solving, helps create a sense of respect and pride, stimulates the donation of funds to purchase additional works of art, assists recruitment efforts on college campuses, and contributes to student learning.