Public Art on Campus

The Public Art on Campus Committee is appointed by and is advisory to the Chancellor. Voting members include the Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communication and Public Affairs (or designee), chair; the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor (or designee); the Dean of the Edwards Campus; the Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging; and one (1) representative each from: the School of Architecture and Design, the School of the Arts, the Spencer Museum of Art, Facilities Services, and Facilities Planning and Development. Additionally, (1) faculty representative and one (1) student representative will be appointed to the committee annually by the chair. The committee does not hold regular meetings; rather, it is convened by the chair when there are proposals to consider.

The responsibilities of the committee are as follows:

1. Evaluate all proposals for the permanent installation or removal of art works in exterior and interior public campus spaces, taking into consideration the quality of the art work, the appropriateness of the site, and any related issues.
2. Evaluate proposals for temporary installations in exterior and interior campus spaces if the installation will be on display for two weeks or more.
3. Participate in development of the campus master plan in order to identify appropriate site for future art installations.
4. Develop a comprehensive plan for acquiring and placing public art, taking into consideration the public art acquisition plans that have been successfully developed and implemented at other higher education institutions.
5. Consult with internal or external experts in the field when considering acquisition of new public art.
6. Consult with the Lawrence Campus Historic Preservation Board as needed.
7. Make recommendations to the Chancellor.

The committee is not responsible for the following:

1. Review, approval, or removal of installations in the galleries of the Spencer Museum of Art, the KU Memorial Unions, the School of the Arts, the School of Architecture and Design, The Commons (Spooner Hall) or the immediate environs of the facilities that house these units. Such installations are the responsibility of staff of the respective units. See the maps for the outdoor areas where the Spencer Museum, the Kansas Union, the School of the Arts, the School of Architecture and Design, and The Commons may mount exhibitions.
2. Evaluation of plans for the design, installation, or removal of memorials, buildings, or other University facilities. The Office of Facilities Planning and Development is responsible for advising the Chancellor on such installations.
3. Routine evaluation of requests for temporary installations of less than two weeks. The Office of Public Affairs is responsible for review of such requests. The Office of Public Affairs may consult with the Office of the Provost as it deems necessary.

Temporary Installations

Individuals or groups proposing a temporary installation will complete the Public Art Application Form. The application form should be submitted at least one month in advance of the date of the proposed installation. The committee may schedule a meeting with the artist(s) to discuss and further review the proposal.

Permanent Installations

Individuals or groups proposing a permanent installation are expected to complete the Public Art Application Form in greater detail than an application for a temporary installation. There is no established timeline for review of proposals for permanent installations, as the committee may need to consult broadly before making a recommendation to the Chancellor.

Removal of Installations

Individuals or groups proposing the removal of temporary or permanent installations will complete the Public Art Application Form.