Skip To Main Content

Foster High School Public Art

In October 2019, Foster High School applied for K-12 Pooled Funds through the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) for the Art in Public Places Program through the Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA).  The ArtsWA Board approved FHS's application in November 2019, and was selected as one of the public institutions to receive funding. The process to commission a new, unique, site-responsive artwork will be facilitated by Art in Public Places (AIPP) staff.  The Art Selection Committee, which includes FHS administrators, staff, students, and community members was formed in February 2020. The Committee will envision a project for the school, select an artist through the Public Artist Roster, and see the final artwork through from design to installation. 

Process Overview:

  • The Art Selection Committee will have 6 meetings over the next 7-10 months.
  • Final proposal will be approved in fall 2020.
  • Fabrication approximately 9 months.
  • Public celebration. 

About the Art in Public Places Program (AIPP)

In July 1974, the Washington State Legislature established the Art in Public Places program (AIPP) of the Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA).  Washington State was the second state to establish a percent-for-art program and is one of only a few states that include public schools as participants.

The State Art Collection represents a wide variety of media and content and makes Washington home to one of the nation's largest, most diverse state public art programs.  Artwork acquired through state-funded construction becomes the property of the State of Washington.  Collection administration is provided by AIPP.  All artworks acquired under the program are viewed collectively as the State Art Collection, which:

  • Is a contemporary collection.
  • Contains nearly 5,000 artworks.
  • Is sited in the state's colleges, universities, public schools, and state agencies.
  • Includes two and three-dimensional, freestanding and integrated artworks.
  • Includes notable local, regional, and national artists.

The State Art Collection and administration of AIPP are funded by the state's capital construction budget.  When a new public building is built with state funds, ½ of 1% of the state's portion of the construction costs is added to acquire artwork for the State Art Collection.