Percent-For-Public Art Projects
When Baltimore’s 1%-For-Art Ordinance was enacted in 1964, second in the U.S. after Philadelphia, our groundbreaking legislation was a model for cities across the county. Over the first 40 years since the passing of this original ordinance, Baltimore commissioned over 350 public artworks to enhance new buildings that were being built within the City. In 2007, this ordinance was updated and modernized, and now allows the commissioning of artwork for more types of capital construction projects, rather than just new building construction.
The following are some of our Percent-for-Public Art projects in various stages of development:
Cherry Hill Community Center
Convention Center Terrace Renovation
Dundalk Avenue Reconstruction
Harford Road Bridge Replacement
Rita Church Community Center at Clifton Park Renovation and Gym Addition
Uplands Housing Development
Waverly Library Renovations
Gifts of Public Art
Periodically, a generous benefactor will propose a gift of public art to the City of Baltimore. While the City is highly appreciative of donations of artwork, it can only accept artwork that the donor has agreed to cover the entire costs of installation as well as conservation and maintenance costs for the artwork for at least 10 years.
Temporary Artworks
BOPA also occasionally sponsors temporary exhibitions of public artwork, these works can be on display for as little as a few months or as long as several years. Examples of this include a series of sculptures installed at Patterson Park with the Southeast Baltimore Development Corporation.