A proposal may be submitted by the owner of a work of art or the City department that controls the work’s proposed site. 

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.

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

The Art and Architecture Committee will review proposals for all new works of art in two stages:

1. Concept review is an early-stage review of concept and siting.
2. 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.