Folk Radio, Kilnaboy, Co. Clare, 2019
Per Cent for Art Scheme
The Per Cent for Art scheme is a government initiative, first introduced in 1978, whereby 1% of the cost of any publicly funded capital, infrastructural and building development can be allocated to the commissioning of a work of art. Work created under
this scheme is most often referred to as public art.
The scheme allows people to enjoy and benefit from contemporary art and artists in everyday settings. It creates contemporary art with, by and for new and diverse audiences, including those who might not usually engage with the arts.
Per Cent for Art is an important source of Government funding for the arts and can provide significant budgets to enable artists to imagine and create new and ambitious work across all artforms and arts practice areas.
Role of the Arts Council
The Arts Council has a developmental role in Per Cent for Art, and our approach to the scheme is underpinned by two key policy areas in our Making Great Art Work strategy (2016-2025): public engagement and the artist. The Arts Council’s Public Art Policy
and Strategy (2018) is available here.
Working in collaboration with key stakeholders, including government departments and agencies, local authorities and commissioners, the Arts Council seeks to encourage commissioners to follow best practice guidance in the commissioning of artists and
to maximise public engagement in the arts. The National Guidelines for the Per Cent for Art scheme is available here.
Further information
For information, advice, opportunities and sample public art projects, visit the public art website publicart.ie
For up-to-date news follow public art social media.
Public Art Team:
Sinéad O’Reilly - Head of Local, Place & Public Art sineadoreilly@artscouncil.ie
Ailve McCormack - Project Officer, Local, Place & Public Art ailve.mccormack@artscouncil.ie
Mary McAuliffe - Public Art Policy Development Advisor
Siobhan Savage - Public Art Web Editor editor@publicart.ie