Public Art is also about...Jobs for artists. Jobs for skilled craftspeople. Jobs in construction.According to a recent survey of artists currently (or recently) working on Washington State Arts Commission public art projects:
On average nearly 30% of project funding goes to sub-contractors: graphic designers, paint shops, fabrication and welding companies (sandblasting, powder coating, etching, bending, laser and plasma cutting, anodizing, water jet cutting, glass cutting, spraying, and firing, ceramic firing, bronze casting), CAD outfits, photographers, haulers, concrete contractors, structural engineers, and others. Most of this work goes to Washington contractors.
"...Most sub-contractors [I use] are local to Washington State …and there are many small sub-contracting firms with terrific reputations..." Koryn Rolstad, Seattle
"Even though Walla Walla is a small community, we're fortunate to have world class foundries here, and equally good fabricators and suppliers of other kinds." Wayne Chabre, Walla Walla
"Everyone is local to the Seattle metro area except one steel fabricator I have an excellent relationship with in Anacortes, Wa …. I always use and source locally for sustainability and to support the Seattle economy." Lead Pencil Studio
Another significant portion of public art project funding pays for the expenses of these small businesses (e.g. public artists): materials, salaries, taxes, rent, mortgages, utilities, health insurance, industrial insurance, equipment, software, bookkeeping, travel expenses (gas, tickets, hotels, meals), tools, and more.
A well managed process"I do projects for elementary schools, and the feedback from those children attending the schools is tremendous, as well as the feedback from teachers and parents. The whole process that brings each project to fruition has community involvement… It is very worthy and an inspiration to those that live with these projects. It is something I think our state should be very proud of." Julie Prather, Ellensburg
"…our Washington State sponsored commissions were a crucial part of the growth and success of our business. We have completed something close to 30 public art commissions during the past two decades, and can say with confidence that the Washington State Arts Commission is one of the best run and most effective commissions in the nation. Washington state has one of the strongest communities of successful artist-run businesses producing major public art works in the U.S. A lot of the credit for this goes to our long tradition of support from the Washington State Arts Commission." Nick Lyle, Freeland
Our CommunitiesPublic art creates jobs and enhances community spaces. Investments in public art support jobs for artists, electricians, welders, engineers, and other skilled workers. WSAC’s Art in Public Places program (½ of 1% for public art) enhances K-12 schools, parks and green spaces, and public buildings in our communities.
Last year through WSAC's Art in Public Places program:
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