CODAworx maintains a database of published projects, including many specific to commissioned works in settings that provide welcomed recreational respite for weary citizens and visitors — parks, plazas and waterfronts. Database entries describe commissioned art projects specific to Government, Civic Centers and Recreation areas. A review of entries within the last 36 months provides artists, commissioners, developers and architects with insight into the total, as well as the highest and median commission value of art installations occurring in these settings.

Commission values are critical to most every creative individual’s livelihood, and therefore, a survey of those values as they occur in Government, Civic Centers and Recreation Centers is a useful endeavor. To be successful in submitting and receiving Requests For Proposals (RFPs), artists, fabricators and other creative revolutionaries must have a heightened sense of how public art is important to the community and the positive impact these commissions can have to viewers.

Public Art Instills Meaning, Understanding and Social Cohesion

Americans for the Arts in their Public Art 101 primer reminds us that public art “... often interprets the history of the place, its people, and perhaps addresses a social or environmental issue. Public art can include murals, sculpture, memorials, integrated architectural or landscape architectural work, community art, digital new media, and even performances and festivals.”  

The author defines public art as art that instills meaning, described in this instance as “a greater sense of identity and understanding of where we live, work, and visit”. The goal, then, is to create memorable experiences, humanize the environment, provide an intersection between past, present and future, and perhaps most importantly, help communities thrive.

Furthermore, public art has a positive impact on communities by providing economic growth, improved public health and an increased sense of belongingness. This is especially true when artwork defines cultural identity, fosters social cohesion and stimulates cross-cultural understanding. The article Why Public Art Matters takes this a few steps further. The authors explore how public art impacts five community values: Economic Growth and Sustainability, Attachment and Cultural Identity, Artists as Contributors, Social Cohesion and Cultural Understanding, and Public Health and Belonging. They remind us that art in public spaces plays an important role in describing our country’s history and culture while adding uniqueness to our communities. 

Commission Value — Government, Civic Centers and Recreation Centers

Commission profiles are described below according to total, highest and median values for these two categories (186 entries with commissions totaling $29,029,735) and for each category individually. The reader will find links to projects with highest commissions and those representative of the median commission. When relevant, featured projects are described according to the principles put forth by the Americans for the Arts that reflect ideal public art — cultural identity, social cohesion, an historical perspective and a greater understanding of the community. Commission values speak to the economic contributions of the artwork. 

Commission Value — Government Facilities

During the study period, Government facilities accounted for the largest number of commissions (102). The projects in this category showed a total commission value of $20.6 million and a median commission fee of approximately $264,000. Of the 102 projects described in the database, only two had commission values of $1.5 million or greater; all others were valued at $800,000 or less. 

The largest commission ($7 million) occurred in this category. This is the National WWII Monument sculpture located in Washington, DC. The work features 24 bas relief sculptures, concrete pillars, flagpole bases and a wall of stars. The artist notes that the project’s goals “... were to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness through the courage and sacrifice of the fighting men, as well as illustrating the unity of the nation on the home-front.” The design for this rendering of a key historic moment in the nation’s history was carefully crafted to integrate with the architectural form and color of the Lincoln Memorial, immediately across the reflecting pond.

The project Convergence is representative of the median commission value. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, the work was created for the Utah State Unified Laboratories. The sculpture of a human face is made of thousands of welded rings. According to the artist, “The work was intended to edify the staff, accentuate the architecture and inform the public about the work done at the facility.” In an effort to describe the culture of the facility and the role of the scientists that work there, a "human" face was an important consideration.

Commission Value — Recreation Center and Civic Center

During the 36 month study period, Recreation Centers and Civic Centers accounted for the second largest number of commissions (84), totaling just more than $8.4 million. Only one commission was greater than $750,000. The median commission was $125,619. 

The largest commission occurred with the project titled Illumina, occurring at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE. Illumina features six oversized bronze figures that symbolize the arts and humanities events hosted by the convention center. The work also incorporates more than 2,000 LED lights, 4,000 pounds of bronze, 28,000 pounds of stainless steel, and 360 tons of concrete. The center of the sculpture includes a stainless steel clock. The hands of the clock, at 11 feet long and a weight of 200 pounds, encompass illuminated acrylic. The clock is calibrated with the atomic clock to keep time.

The goal for Illumina was to create an inspirational environment, filled with excitement and energy, while embodying the spirit and pageantry of public celebrations. Visitors to the Convention Center interact with the sculpture’s carnival-like design. The figures harken back to a time when performers and other artforms were an active part of daily street life. The interactive sculpture has become a beloved landmark for Omahans and visitors alike. 

Blake, with a commission budget of $122,000, is representative of the median in this category. Located in Kensington, NH, the work welcomes visitors to underutilized areas of trails and wetlands on the Alnoba leadership and wellness facility. The 20 foot tall steel structure is set into a stone wall at the edge of a field and woods. It’s double doorway design is visible from afar and marks the trailhead. The rustic form and welcoming nature is in keeping with the mission of the Alnoba facility, which was created to develop strong leaders and strong communities, promote healthy living, awaken reflection and creativity through art, and foster mindfulness. It is home to one of New England’s largest outdoor art parks.

Publish Your Projects

CODAworx is a leading authority on commissioned art and maintains a comprehensive database of information regarding RFPs, commissioning entities, budgets, and awards. Tapping into this database enables CODAweekly to feature regular Industry Reports by design segment (commercial, hospitality, healthcare, etc.) that highlights top artists, trends in commission fees, and more.

We encourage you to add information to the CODAworx database by publishing a project to our Project Library or populate data on projects already in the database. Anyone involved in the collaborative process can publish a project on CODAworx. This includes the artist and creative teams, design professionals and other commissioners, and industry resources such as fabricators, engineers, installers, lighting designers, videographers, and more. Potential clients, commissioners, collaborators and your peers will get to know you and your work. They can contact you directly through the CODAworx messaging system.

Join CODAworx

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