Art on Campus Policy

Responsible Unit: President’s Office | Executive lead: President
Created: 06/2017 | Reviewed/Revised: 11/2020, 8/8/2023 | Effective: 9/19/2023
Compliance: N/A
Approving Body: BOT | Classification: Institution-wide

Policy:   
This policy provides a framework for the selection, acquisition, installation, and management of public artwork and commemorative elements at PNWU. Artistic direction and site selection for public artwork and commemorative elements on the PNWU campus shall be provided through an ad hoc committee appointed by the PNWU president.  If the piece of artwork or sculpture is gifted or donated, the Gift Acceptance policy shall be referenced.  Donors shall be afforded a meaningful opportunity for input in the selection of artwork and its placement site, but the University reserves final decision-making authority on both.

An ad hoc committee will be established with each new facilities structure to review outdoor and indoor art including donor recognition. This policy includes purchased, gifted, and/or loaned works of art, murals, textiles and the like.

The Art of Campus program shall be funded through a variety of sources including University funds, public grants, and private contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations.  A development plan for the program will blend these sources for the purpose of leveraging maximum external funding and matching contributions.   Prospective sources for gifts and grants shall be cleared or solicitation and closely coordinated with the Development Office.

The criteria for selection, acceptance and placement of art on campus shall include artistic excellence, appropriateness of the site and University setting, ability to promote knowledge of and respect for culturally and artistically diverse expression, durability of the design and materials and reasonable maintenance requirements and resistance to vandalism.  Donations, gifts and loaned artwork intended to be displayed for extended periods are subject to the same criteria as above.

Definitions:       
Public Art: Public Art includes artwork, sculpture, and site features which depart from the campus amenity standard (streetlamps, signage, trash receptacles, bicycle racks, and benches) on the campus grounds and inside its buildings. Indoor art is defined as artwork in the public space of a building, such as the lobby area. 

Related Documents:
N/A

Policy Resources

For assistance with policies and procedures contact:

Lori Fulton
lfulton@pnwu.edu