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What is the Art in State Buildings Program?

Florida’s Art in State Buildings program (ASB), established in 1979, continues to highlight nationally and internationally recognized artists in its growing collection of diverse art. An amount of up to one-half of one percent (0.5%), not exceeding $100,000, of the state funds appropriated for a new building is set aside for the acquisition of public art for that facility.

The University of Florida’s Art in State Buildings program is a component of the state of Florida’s Art in State Buildings initiative. It is directed by UF's public art administrator and is overseen by the state’s cultural agency – the Division of Cultural Affairs.

UF’s Art in State Buildings program has a collection of over 155 works of art on campus which extends throughout the state. We are dedicated to growing the state of Florida’s art collection, helping Florida to become a national public art leader.

What is the role of the Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council?

The Division of Cultural Affairs provides oversight, training, and the presentation of project documents to the Florida Arts Council.

The Florida Arts Council consists of a 15-member advisory council that provides leadership in setting policy and procedures for implementation of this program. To ensure fairness, consistency and transparency in all the program’s selections, they also verify that each project has followed the required open selection process.

Who selects the public art at UF?

For each building project, there is a local selection committee consisting of a user agency representative, an occupant representative, project architects, visual arts representatives, and the building project manager. Our meetings are open to the public and we encourage the community to become a part of the selection process. Public art should bring communities together as well as invigorate an appreciation of contemporary art.

How is the art selected at UF? What is the Art in State Buildings process?

Art is selected through one of two ways. For smaller budgets, committees select pre-existing works of art for direct purchase. For larger budgets, committees select artists to make site specific proposals.

At the first meeting, the committee evaluates the facility’s function and design, makes preliminary decisions about the integration of art, and discusses the timeline for the project. Information about the building and sites for art work is gathered after this meeting and a call to artists is posted on our website.

The second meeting is an image review meeting when all qualifying submissions are seen by the committee. The initial review of images is anonymous, sometimes referred to as a blind review. In subsequent reviews, the committee looks at other submitted materials such as resumes, statements of intent, and prices. The quality of the art and its appropriateness to the building are vital factors that are considered by the committee. Depending on the budget, the committee will either select pre-existing works of or select finalists to make site specific proposals at a third meeting.

At the third meeting, up to four finalists or their representatives make a site specific proposal. The committee selects one (sometimes two) artists for the project.

We welcome freedom of artistic expression in the creation of public art and usage of material, keeping in mind the site-specific goals for visual appeal by the selection committee.

Who can apply for Art in State Buildings Projects?

UF ASB projects are open to applicants from around the world- we encourage applicants from outside of the US to apply. We enjoy seeing applications from artists with different backgrounds and experiences, regardless of race, age, or gender. Our main consideration when receiving applications is whether or not the artists fits the criteria required by the Art in State Buildings program, as is listed at the top of the How to Apply page.

What criteria must artists meet in order to apply for an ASB project?

Resumes should illustrate that the artist has met at least two (2) of the following criteria:

• the artist has completed public commissions similar in budget to the proposed project;
• the artist's works are included in major public, private, corporate or museum collections;
• the artist has received awards, grants or fellowships;
• the artist has had a one-person exhibition in a museum within the past five years.

If an artist does not meet at least two (2) of these criteria, we hope that they will investigate other public art programs which often have different criteria.

Are giclee prints accepted?

Reproductions are not collected for Florida's Art in State Buildings Program, only original works of art.  Please do not submit giclees which are copies of an original work.  However, if giclee is the method of printing original, limited edition digital photographs, please make this clear on your id sheet or statement of intent. 

How often does UF ASB post Calls to Artists?

Buildings are being constructed all the time at UF, so we are unable to predict how often Calls to Artists will be posted.

Please join our mailing list to receive email notification of new Calls to Artists at the University of Florida.

Are there special considerations for out door works of art at UF?

Works of art outdoors are prone to weathering and air pollution. Florida has a particularly harsh climate – temperatures in the winter can fluctuate daily between 30° F at night and 70° F during the day. Florida summers have temperatures in the 90s with 100% humidity. Our artists should be aware of these conditions and use materials that are best suited to this environment.

How does UF ASB take care of its art?

It is in the University of Florida’s interest to ensure that the art provided to us through public funds is monitored on a regular basis. Currently, condition reports for each piece of art work are completed every three years allowing us to determine what, if any, maintenance is needed. Additionally, we maintain contact with artists regarding their suggested conservation methods for the art.

It is our goal to improve our conservation methods in the future as we are aware of the contribution public art makes to the University of Florida’s campus. Public art at UF has become symbolic of the campus and it enlivens our common spaces.

How do I learn more?

If you are an artist interested in submitting your artwork for a building project at the University of Florida, please visit our Call to Artists page for more information.

If you are interested in viewing the University of Florida’s existing public art collection, please visit our UF Art page for more information on the art and their locations on campus.

You can also email us at pubart@arts.ufl.edu if you have any additional questions or concerns!