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Public Art
Supporting creativity. Engaging community. Inspiring new ideas.
Art has the power to provoke thought, stimulate the imagination, offer beauty, spark conversation and even stir the soul. The University of Washington Tacoma is fortunate to have a growing collection of public art for the entire community to contemplate and enjoy. This collection is a part of the University’s enduring commitment to enhancing the campus environment through the enrichment of a meaningful and innovative public art program that:
- Supports the creation of contemporary art
- Fosters engagement with artists and the community
- Encourages new ideas about art within the campus environment
Per RCW 28B.10.027, the Washington State Art Commission (ArtsWA) Art in Public Places Program funds works of public art on each campus, ranging from collections of paintings, prints and photographs to large-scale sculptures and sculptural installations. The funding equals 0.5% of the construction budget of state-funded building projects.
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Art Committee
The UW Tacoma Art Committee (UWTAC) is a standing body of students, faculty and staff that reviews and makes recommendations to the chancellor on acquisition and permanent installation of artwork at UW Tacoma, consistent with the UW Public Art Policy, UW Tacoma Art Principles and, as appropriate, ArtsWA. The committee also reviews and makes recommendations to the chancellor on temporary art installations in coordination with sponsoring faculty and facilities, consistent with the UW Public Art Policy and UW Tacoma Art Principles.
The chancellor makes final decisions regarding both permanent and temporary art acquisitions and installations.
The UWTAC is guided by Executive Order No. 37 and Campus Art Policies, and its responsibilities include overseeing the selection of artists, reviewing artists’ proposals and site selection, tracking execution and installation, and directing conservation of works.
Members
Committee members are appointed by and serve at the request of the chancellor. The committee chair is appointed by the chancellor from the membership below.
| Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs | Andrew Harris |
| Vice Chancellor for Finance & Administration | Sylvia James |
| UW Tacoma Advancement representative | Amanda Walker |
| Faculty representative(s) | Chris Demaske, Chair Tyler Budge Sonia De La Cruz Michael Kula |
| Student Representative(s) | TBD |
Meetings
The committee meets at least once per quarter during the academic year, during which time submitted Art Proposals are reviewed. Recommended proposals are sent to the chancellor, who has delegated authority to approve art on campus. Approved proposals then go to UW Tacoma Facilities to ensure space and maintenance resources are available for installation.
Submit a Proposal
Contact us
If you have any questions or need support filling out the proposal form, please email the committee at uwtartc@uw.edu.
