You must submit a proposal to the Art Commission for artwork to be:
- Commissioned by the City.
- Purchased by the City.
- Donated to the City.
- Placed on City property.
The Art Commission will review the design and location of your proposal.
Who
A proposal may be submitted by the owner of a work of art or the City department that controls the work’s proposed site.
Submission materials
All proposals must include a cover letter, photographs, renderings, and supporting materials. Other information may be requested.
Cover letter
Your cover letter should describe:
- The artwork.
- The art selection process.
- The construction project.
- The site where the art will be installed.
This letter should also identify the people involved. That includes the name and contact information for:
- The artwork’s donor.
- The sponsoring City department.
- Any parties who are responsible for maintaining the artwork. If there is a maintenance agreement in place, describe it.
Photographs
You must include:
- Photographs of the art, if it’s an existing work.
- Current photographs of the proposed site. Only use older photographs to show former conditions. Do not use online street views.
Renderings
You must include:
- Architectural or site drawings that show the art as it will appear on site.
- Drawings or photographs of models that show the art in its proposed location.
- Drawings that show the art’s materials and colors.
- Drawings that show how the art will be installed, including engineering documents if needed.
Supporting materials
If you plan to place privately-owned art on City property, you must show proof of approval from the department that controls the site.
Where and when
Submit a PDF of the submission materials to artcommission@phila.gov and three hard copies of the package to:
Philadelphia Art Commission
1515 Arch St., 13th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Review process
The Art and Architecture Committee will review proposals for all new works of art in two stages:
- Concept review is an early-stage review of concept and siting.
- Final design review is an advanced-stage review of all aspects of the design and installation of the work of art. This should incorporate comments made by the committee during concept review.