Art in Public Places celebrates its 50th anniversary this year! Dive into this special newsletter to explore program updates.
Art in Public Places is uniquely positioned to advance and support art and artists across Washington. Our goal is to build and care for a State Art Collection that is impactful, accessible, and valued. We seek lasting artworks that reflect Washington’s diverse communities.
Our Art in Public Places program (AIPP) purchases and cares for artworks in state buildings, colleges, universities, and schools throughout Washington. The State Art Collection includes more than 5,000 artworks, located where people study, work, and live. The Collection includes a wide range of materials, sizes, and styles. It represents notable artists from Washington, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. The public selects and owns the Collection.
Read the legislation that formed our program: RCW 43.46.090 | RCW 43.46.095
Read the Washington Administrative Code that guides our program: WAC 30-40
How do we acquire Public Art?
When Washington constructs a new building, we reserve one-half of one percent of the state’s cost for art. In partnership with local committees, we acquire artworks that are permanently sited in their buildings or campuses. Through a series of facilitated meetings, they select an artist from the Public Artist Roster and provide feedback and approval during design. In some cases ArtsWA staff and the committee may opt to purchase existing artworks with the help of our Curator Roster. With public schools, artwork funds are combined each biennium and eligible K-12 schools are invited to apply for a commissioned artwork.
Public Art Spotlight
Circle of Light at the Yakima SunDome
Over the summer of 2020, ArtsWA worked with an experienced team of architectural conservators to evaluate the artwork Circle of Light by Richard C. “Dick” Elliott at the Yakima Valley SunDome. At 880 feet, Circle of Light is the State Art Collection’s largest artwork. This unique artwork is comprised of nearly 50,000 individual 3-inch diameter reflectors. Artist Dick Elliott created this dynamic artwork in 1992. In the years since, it became an icon in the region but the Yakima sun and wind took their toll. Architectural Resources Group (ARG) completed an evaluation and developed a plan for repairs. Over the summer of 2022, ARG and Burton Construction (of Spokane) restored the artwork, installing thousands of new reflectors. On July 25th, the ARG restoration team, ArtsWA’s conservation team, Washington State legislators, and many community supporters, gathered at the SunDome to place the final reflectors on “Circle of Light.” Jane Orleman, Dick Elliott’s wife, placed the last reflector herself. Explore and read more about the restoration of Circle of Light.
Public Art News
Change Leader Institute 2025 Winter cohort
Join this professional development program designed for artists, culture bearers, arts professionals and community leaders connected to the arts.
ArtsWA October news
Nominate for Washington State Poet Laureate, Attend Winter Listening Sessions, & Celebrate Filipino American History Month.
Project update: September
In this edition: New Billy Frank Jr. video – Part III: the Legacy Updated visiting hours See Billy on tour Read the full update Sign up for monthly updates
Read more Contact Us
If you have questions about the Art in Public Places program, please contact: Mike Sweney, AIPP Program Manager, at mike.sweney@arts.wa.gov or 360-228-4080.
Explore More of the State Art Collection:
Bremerton Symphony Association
“These students rarely if ever get to participate in arts and culture experiences. This was only possible because of arts funding the Symphony received from the state.” – Bremerton Symphony Association
Centerstage Theatre Arts Conservatory, Inc.
“On behalf of all at Centerstage, we extend our appreciation for the state’s investment in our work.” – Centerstage Theatre Arts Conservatory, Inc.
Davenport Theatrical
“Rural audiences deserve the same access to the arts as those in big cities, and public arts funding is essential in working towards that goal.” – Wheatland Theatre Company (formerly Davenport Theatre) Project Support Grantee
Earshot Jazz Festival
“It is because of your funding support that we are able to focus on issues of accessibility, diversity, and community in our programs.” – Earshot Jazz Festival
Gallery One
“Their stories and work translate into conversations that try to bridge the gap between military and civilian cultures. This dialog hopes to bring understanding of how war and trauma not only affect members of the military, but our society as a whole. Their mission is not to promote a particular…
Key City Players Theater
“ArtsWA funding has a great impact on the Olympic Peninsula, where there is no comparable theater to Key City Players Theater that serves a region of 60,000 people.” – Key City Players Theater
Reel Grrls
“This funding really makes a difference in our community because we are working to build a pipeline to diversify the creative industries… we must teach young people that empathy through storytelling is the most powerful tool they have to combat hate.” – Reel Grrls FY18 Project Support Grantee
Tacoma Concert Band
“WSAC grants are a wonderful investment in people, helping to make the South Sound a vibrant, culturally dynamic community where people will want to live and raise a family.” – Tacoma Concert Band
The Merc Playhouse Society
“Part of the beauty and strength of community comes from celebrating all of its uniqueness that helps to create a meaningful world in which to live. Mid-Columbia Mastersingers feels it has a responsibility to represent our whole community and support celebration of diversity in the Tri-Cities… Because of this grant…
Upper Valley Connection
“…through this program individuals with special needs are able to experience theatre and learn to express themselves through performing and visual arts – an opportunity that does not exist elsewhere in eastern Washington…” – Upper Valley Connection