Per Cent for Arts Scheme
The Per Cent for Arts Scheme is an Irish government initiative first introduced in 1978. Since 1997, this scheme has been made available to all capital projects across all government departments. Irish government departments who fund infrastructure (such as schools, healthcare buildings, housing, roads etc.) can ring fence money to commission an artist. Applicants for this funding become the commissioners; often these are school boards, local authorities or healthcare organisations.
The PublicArt.ie interim website acts as a resource and support to advise on the best use of this funding, especially for first-time and once-off commissioners. If you would like more advice, email us at editor@publicart.ie or download some of our helpful PDFs.
A new work of art funded under the Per Cent for Arts Scheme can be in architecture, circus, dance, film, literature, music, opera, street arts and spectacle, theatre, traditional arts and visual arts, or any combination of these, including all types of contemporary arts practice such as performance, installation, live art, multimedia, video art, sound art, etc.
Art work developed through the Per Cent for Arts Scheme can be project-based, temporary or permanent. It’s important to remember that the scheme is for the creation of new art work by professional artists. It cannot be used for projects in the areas of craft, design, or heritage or for any other purpose such as architectural improvements, design features or landscaping, etc.
Local Authorities and artist resource organisations are also reliable sources of information:
- Resource organisations, as listed on the Arts Council website
- Links to local arts offices funded by the Arts Council
Advice for commissioners
All public art projects are unique and commissioned from artists for a specific place, site, setting or context. The commissioner must make important decisions, including who will encounter the work or engage with the project. Successful public art is based on a commissioner’s ability to work well with professional artists and ensure adequate resourcing to support the creative process.
A project briefing document is used to guide the artist’s thinking, to develop ideas and to facilitate collaboration. Engagement with local stakeholders and organisations is often addressed through a steering committee or advisory panel to support community participation. The commissioning process is a dynamic one, requiring commitment from both the commissioner and artist. This includes:
- Setting out a vision;
- Building good relationships;
- Being flexible with time;
- Allowing for dialogue and discussions;
- Staying open to ideas and changes that may arise through the process;
- Supporting with problems and issues as they arise.
For the commissioner, this involves:
- Applying for the Per Cent for Arts Scheme, when submitting the capital cost for your publicly funded building project;
- Considering and imagining the potential benefits that commissioning an artist can bring to your community or organisation;
- Engaging specialist arts expertise, support and resources for the duration of the commission process. Typically, this is a curator, artistic director, Local Authority, or public art specialist.
Current funding bands and limits for the scheme are:
- Projects below €5,000,000: 1% of the cost of the project to a maximum of €50,000 (1% of upper limit);
- Projects between €5,000,000 and €20,000,000: 1% of the cost of the project to a maximum of €125,000 (1% at median);
- Projects between €20,000,000 and €50,000,000: 1% of the cost of the project to a maximum of €350,000 (1% at median);
- Projects in excess of €50,000,000: up to €500,000, being 1% of the lower-level scale and declining as projects increase in scale.
Advice for artists
When developing a proposal, make sure to read the brief carefully and visit the potential site if possible. Allow yourself time to think through ideas, write and assemble material. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What interests you about the commission and how can your practice intersect with the brief?
- How might you input or creatively explore the context of the brief?
- Can you commit to the commission?
- What challenges does the commission hold for you? For example, in terms of the materials or medium you will be using, or the organisation and interaction with a community or group of people, or in relation to any ethical issues.
Frequently asked questions
Looking for information on the practicalities of applying for, commissioning and working through public art projects? Our FAQs will help guide you through the process.