Public Art Policies

To ensure artistic quality and appropriate integration, all proposals for Public Art must undergo a rigorous review and approval process. Public Art & Art Properties initiates this review process, considering artistic quality and suitability for the Carnegie Mellon Collection. Before any work is officially accepted, it must be approved by the Public Art Committee (PAC), the University President, and the Property and Facilities Committee of the Board of Trustees. The PAC addresses critical issues such as public sensibility, safety, durability, and long-term maintenance costs.

Public Art & Art Properties are acquired through donations, commissions, purchases, and loans, with a preference for considering works by prominent CMU alumni and faculty. Furthermore, the University holds an aspiration that major new campus facilities projects will allocate a percentage of project funds for the acquisition, commission, and integration of public art, cementing a commitment to continuously enrich the campus environment and support the visual arts. Supporting this mission is the appointment of the Johnson Family Public Art Curator.

Note: This policy governs permanent or long-term installations. Student and faculty installations with a defined time limit are managed under separate guidelines coordinated by the College of Fine Arts.

For full policy details, please visit the Design Review Committee site.

For inquiries and requests, we ask that you fill out the form below.