Museum Without Walls
Brief description of the 1% for Art Program
The Ordinance
The Municipality of Anchorage 1% for Art Ordinance 7.40 is based on the Alaska State ordinance passed in 1975 which designates that 1% of the construction cost of each public building or facility be set aside for artwork. Through the enactment of this chapter, the government recognizes its responsibility to foster the development of culture and the arts. The goal is to enhance each new public facility or structure with the best artwork for the site, designed to last the life of the building. The program is located at the Anchorage Museum Association.
Current Status of the 1% for Art Program
At the present time, there are 267 works of art in 105 buildings, making Anchorage's public art collection worth more than $5.8 million. The 1%-for-Art ordinance, in effect during the boom of Project '80s, accounts for much of the public art in the city. There are currently thirty-five 1% for Art projects in progress for municipal buildings and for new and remodeled schools.
Selection Process
- Who are the artists?
1% programs have the reputation of being controversial. Some projects in Alaska have received attention such as Alvin Amason's painting, "Welcome to My World" at the Anchorage International Airport, "Nimbus" by Robert Murray in Juneau, and the work in the Federal Building by internationally known artists Dan Flavin, Sam Francis and Robert Hudson. There has, however, been very little controversy in the Anchorage program. - Safety, Maintenance and the Public Process
Each jury looks carefully at Safety and Maintenance concerns prior to selecting a piece. In addition, a public hearing is held to discuss Safety and Maintenance concerns, which are passed on to the committee. Once a selection is made, aesthetic issues are not discussed because this is the Art Selection Jury's responsibility. All artwork is subjected to the Anchorage School District Playground Safety Guidelines test and reviewed by the Risk Manager of the Anchorage School District. Objections to artwork selected by an Art Selection Jury may be raised only on the grounds of maintenance or safety. - Public Art Committee
The Public Art Committee is an advisory group of citizens appointed by the Mayor to meet monthly, review artwork selections and make recommendations and policy decisions to the Curator of the Program. The Public Art Committee has created a "Policy and Procedures Manual" and has written a Gifts Policy and a policy to deaccession models and proposals from the collection. Current Public Art Committee members are: Suzie Stranik, Chair, Howard Partch, Vice Chair, Joyce Murphy, Arts Advisory Commission, Diane Louise, Historical and Fine Arts Commission, Kerry Prichett, Urban Design Commission, Garry Kaulitz, community member and artist, and Carol Bryner, also a community member and artist.
Maintenance / Conservation
The Municipality is responsible for maintaining the public art collection. If artwork is broken or needs cleaning, our policy is to first ask the artist if they want to fix or clean something. It's best to have them do the work to match the original piece. If the original artist cannot do the work, the 1% for Art office hires a professional to complete the work. The cleaning and painting of artwork is rotated and each year the program prioritizes artwork to be conserved.
Ownership/ Copyright
The Municipality of Anchorage owns the artwork. The artist who created the artwork owns the copyright to the image. If a school or the program wants to use the artwork in publications or as a logo, they contact the 1% for Art office to seek written permission. The program contacts the artists, who are generally happy to make their imagery available, but their permission is needed.
Who are the Artists creating 1% for Art?
The 1% for Art ordinance defines a professional artist as a person who practices in the visual arts as a professional. Indications of a person's status as a professional artist include, but are not limited to, income realized from the sale of artwork, frequent or consistent art exhibitions, placement of artwork in public institutions or museums, receipt of awards and honors, training in the arts. Under the terms of the ordinance, a "project designer" cannot qualify as an "artist" as the term is used in the regulations.
Program Services
- Artist Registry / Mailing List
The Municipality of Anchorage 1% for Art Program maintains a 1% for Art slide registry which is renewed every two years. Artists submit 15-20 slides of their artwork with a slide list and their resume. Slides are shown to juries making decisions based on the registry slides instead of an open competition. Generally these are for projects with smaller budgets. The program also maintains a statewide mailing list. Call, fax or email your information to Jocelyn Young at the number below. - Slide Shows
The 1% for Art Office offers narrated slide shows available to classes, clubs and for inservices. One is 20 minutes and the other is 45 minutes. - Museum without Walls worksheets
Volunteers, district art teachers and staff have created worksheets describing the artwork suggesting activities and outlining questions pertaining to the art in their school. 1% for Art Staff is happy to distribute this information and contribute information to develop additional worksheets. - Information about art in the community
Information about individual pieces, artists, tours and other public art programs is available from the office. - Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are trained to present slide shows for civic groups, school classes, University art students, etc. Volunteers assist with the annual 1% for Art Museum without Walls tour in the fall. The inventory of all the 1% for Art in the program is also an excellent opportunity for volunteer assistance.
Current Prospectus
CLICK HERE for a list of current prospectuses.
Jocelyn Young, Curator of Public Art
Anchorage Museum of Public Art
121 West 7th Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501
Call (907) 343-6473 for information about the 1% for Art Program or email youngjh@anchoragemuseum.org