There are NO new Calls to Artists at this time. Future opportunities for Vermont visual artists through the Art in State Buildings program will be posted on this page as they become available.
Artists Eric Aho, Elizabeth Billings, Nick DeFriez, Emily Mason and Andrea Wasserman have created a suite of artwork for the historic National Life Building on State Street in Montpelier for the Council's Art in State Buildings Program.
Included in this innovative installation that spans four floors of the building are works of five former Poets Laureate of Vermont.
In the video at right, painter Annemie Curlin of Charlotte, VT sat down and shared some of her thoughts about the process she undertook to learn about and engage the community while researching elements of "Rutland County: A Heavenly View", her AiSB installation at the Rutland County District Courthouse.
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The Vermont Art in State Buildings [AISB] program helps support and promote the work of Vermont artists, and is designed to preserve and enrich the state's cultural landscape for its citizens and visitors. The program is administered by the Vermont Arts Council in partnership with the Department of Buildings and General Services and is dedicated to enhancing working environments by improving the character and quality of State-owned buildings and public spaces.
Since 1988, more than two dozen projects in different locations around the state have contributed to artistic environments of distinction that provide enjoyment to and are a source of pride for all Vermonters.The Vermont Art in State Buildings Act (No. 267 of 1988) was passed by the State Legislature, with strong support from Vermont artists, communities and businesses, in recognition of and in answer to the need to encourage the work of Vermont artists, to enhance and preserve our cultural environment, and to provide artistic enrichment for Vermont citizens and visitors.
The Art in State Buildings Act requires that $50,000 (total annual allocation for the acquisition of art from no more than two selected capital construction projects) be transferred to an Art Acquisition fund for the purpose of providing works of art in public buildings and facilities.
Artwork is selected by Art Selection Panels made up of agency and community representatives and visual arts experts. Art Selection Panels make final recommendations of artists' proposals to the Art in State Buildings Advisory Committee, a committee created by the Legislature to oversee the program.
The Vermont Arts Council is responsible for administration of the program and oversees art selection, fabrication and installation. The Council works closely with the Department of Buildings and General Services and user agencies at all levels of the process. The program especially emphasizes the education and participation of the communities and agencies that will live and work with the selected art every day.
Public art works are selected by direct acquisition, invitation and/or open competition and commission. Specific criteria are determined by project budget size and other factors.
Visual artists and artist teams in all media are eligible and encouraged to participate in the Art in State Buildings program. Previous experience in creating works of art in public places is not necessary. The Art in State Buildings program gives priority consideration to residents of Vermont.
For additional information about the Vermont Art in State Buildings program, deadlines, proposal information, guidelines or policies email Michele Bailey, VAC Program Director.