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Percent for Art

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Overview

The City of Wichita Division of Arts and Cultural Services has established the Public Artist Registry as a necessary corollary for the Percent for Art Program. This database of qualified artists is intended to streamline the process of selecting artists and art consultants for cultural and public art projects. Improved access will ensure a more efficient process of vetting qualifications and assessing skill sets.

​Percent for Art Program Background

On December 17, 2019, the Wichita City Council approved an ordinance that allotted 2% of public project funds to a pool of funding allocated for public art. Funded by the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), this Percent for Art is intended to provide for the funding, selection, creation, and maintenance of public art. The administration of the Percent for Art Program is overseen by the Design Council, a 11-member advisory board.

The City of Wichita defines public art as publicly accessible original visual art. It may include, but is not limited to, the following: permanent visual art, creative restoration or repurposing of unique architectural features, ornamentation or details, artist-designed infrastructure and structures themselves. Public Art may serve a function, express a theme, or commemorate an important person. It may underscore or provide a counterpoint to the architecture and surrounding site. It may serve as a landmark that adds definition to the City of Wichita. Public art should consider the site, its context and audience. Public art may possess functional as well as aesthetic qualities; it may be integrated into the site or building, or presented as a standalone work.

View the City of Wichita Public Art Ordinance

Submission Requirements
  • Artist Statement
  • Resume
  • References
  • Website /Portfolio Link

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View the City of Wichita Public Art Registry​

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Evergreen Recreation Center Mural, Artists Cody Handlin and Ryan Drake, 1995 (restored 2020)

​About The City of Wichita

The City of Wichita recognizes the necessity and responsibility for beautification of its public areas. The City Council has found that such enhancement adds to the quality of life of Wichita’s citizens, attracts tourism, and provides incentives to business to locate in the City, thereby expanding Wichita’s economic base.

Eligibility

Candidates are eligible regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identification, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical ability.

Additional Information

City staff will review applications for completeness and may reject incomplete applications. The City reserves the right to reject any and all submissions. The City may negotiate changes of any nature with any artist. The City, in its discretion, may terminate the Public Artist Registry at any point in time for its convenience. The City reserves the right to issue individual calls for public art projects as it may determine necessary. Although applicants should make their best faith effort to comply with the requirements outlined in this call for artists, the City may, in its discretion, waive non-compliance.

Inclusion on the Public Artist Registry is not an endorsement of the artist on the part of the City.

For more information on public art, including frequently asked questions, sample contracts and helpful links, please visit the Arts Council website.