ArtsWA is responsible for the overall care of the State Art Collection. This includes inventory, conservation activities, and record keeping. Our collections management policy ArtCare guides these activities. Artworks are under the day-to-day stewardship of the sites that host them.

The Collection includes more than 5,000 artworks. They are located in K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and state agencies across Washington. ArtsWA collaborates with these entities to care for the artwork.

Collection Care Resources

Materials and Fabrication Handbook. Review our recommendations and requirements for materials, fabrication methods, and placement for commissioned artwork. This resource supports artists in their efforts to design works durable enough for a public environment.

Painting Materials Guide. A straightforward guide designed for artists with painted mural projects at K-12 public schools.

Artwork Presentation/Framing Guide. Review our requirements for framing your two-dimensional artwork, including works on paper and paintings on fabric.

ArtCare: Collections Management Policy for Washington’s State Art Collection. Review our collections management policies and procedures. ArtCare includes information about artwork conservation, deaccession, and rights and reproductions.