For Artists

Percent for Art

Frequently Asked Questions

To download a copy of the questions and answers choose an option below:

1) Are non-Montanan artists eligible to apply?

All Percent-for-Art projects are overseen by a committee, and each committee is different. In almost all cases, the committees allow applications from artists working anywhere in the United States. It is possible that some committee's may choose to limit the applicant pool to Montana-based artists only. In that event, the criteria will be clearly stated on the application and on the web site.

2) Do artists who are new to the public art field ever get commissioned for these projects?

Absolutely! The request for proposals process allows all applicants to compete on an even playing field. If your proposal is clearly presented, your slides are of professional quality, and your application is complete, you will be a viable candidate for selection.

3) What can I do to make my application stronger?

  • Follow all instructions clearly.
  • Keep your proposal clear, concise, and as descriptive as possible.
  • Give dimensions of the proposed artwork, and relate those dimensions to the scale of the installation site.
  • If at all possible, include slides that show the actual work, or work that is similar in style or design.
  • If you are submitting color drawings, submit enough that each committee member gets a color copy.
  • If you are submitting a proposal for kinetic work, include a video so the committee can see the motion.
  • If possible, include a sample of the material used in the proposed artwork. For example, if you are proposing a banner, include a swatch of the proposed material. If you are proposing fiber optic cable, include a small piece of the cable.
  • Be certain your proposal is within the prescribed budget.

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4) Can I make my application stronger by included more materials about me and my studio?

DO NOT submit more than is requested in the application. Extra color photos, postcards, brochures, letters of reference, etc. will not strengthen your application, as they will not be mailed to the committee members. ONLY those documents requested will be given to the selection committee for review.

5) Why do you require so many copies of my application?

The Montana Percent-for-Art program strives to keep our administrative costs as low as possible. By maintaining only one half-time staff member, we are able to ensure that most of the money allocated for this program goes into the artists' budget, rather than into program administration.

Many of our projects in the past have received more than 100 applications for consideration. If each artist can copy and collate his/her own application, it streamlines the process and gets the applications from the artists, to the members of the review committee, as quickly as possible.

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6) What is the most convenient presentation format for my application?

Please understand that your application - along with all the other artists' applications — is going to be mailed to each member of the selection committee. If there are eight committee members, you will be asked to submit eight copies.

Each application is placed into a three-ring binder. Each committee member receives his/her own binder, filled with all the applications for a project.

Therefore, do not bind your applications in any way. Folders, covers, three-ring binders, or spiral binding do not help your application's overall appearance. They will be removed and the application itself will be inserted into the committee's binders. Please do not staple your applications.

Each artist's application copies should be presented in the following order:

  1. Application (with budget)
  2. Proposal
  3. Drawing of Proposal
  4. Slide Description Page
  5. Resume

If we request, for example, eight copies of your application, it is most convenient if you submit eight packets, paper-clipped at the top, of the above documents.

7) The budget section of the application has a line for "insurance." Does this mean that I need to insure the artwork after it is installed?

No. This line item on your budget is to cover your insurance during the creation and delivery of the artwork. Some artists have studio insurance. Others have insurance that covers shipping. Some artists are bonded to cover their financial assets in the case that they fail to comply with a contract.

If you have no pre-installation insurance expenses, do not include this in your budget.

After the artwork is installed, it becomes the property of the State of Montana, and is insured through the State.

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