Percent for Art

• Go to your local arts organization to see if it has a list of government organizations, private developers or others that fund projects or provide opportunities for public projects. If the city is upgrading a subway station or putting up a school, there is often a "percent for art" condition that requires that some portion of the project (usually somewhat less than 1 percent) goes to a public art project. Customarily administrators will either take bids or have a competition to select the artist. These projects usually provide a stipend for the artist and materials, and may also cover fabrication costs. Get on the mailing list of any art organizations that have notifications of such projects so you can receive news in a timely manner. Many arts or governmental organizations also have online databases for opportunities that you can search by area or media. Some private buildings also have a "percent for art" requirement; if you see a project in your area you can contact the developer directly to see if it is accepting applications for projects.
  
  

DIY

• Approach an organization or municipality yourself to see if it is open to having a public project on or in a space it administrates. A park, a school, a beach or a playground are all possible ideas, depending on your idea and scale. You may not receive any funding, but it is a good way to get your work out and perhaps forge a relationship with the organization. Even if an organization cannot fund you directly, you may be able to apply for grants using the organization (if it is a 401(c)3 non-profit) as a fiscal sponsor, which will open up opportunities for the many grants not open to individuals.
  Private corporations and companies may be open to your project if it somehow involves their product, or if they are looking for a chance to do something for the community in which they reside. A fabric company, for example, may be interested in working with you if you do fiber-based art. The company may also want to do something to beautify its building or campus. Ask for the person who deals with community relations or the corporate foundation (if they have one) to learn more about the company's procedures. Often, even if it cannot pay a stipend, the company can offer in kind help such as materials, or provide fabrication advice or assistance.