The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) is brewing up an artistic storm in Hawaiʻi, providing government sites across the state with the opportunity to showcase site-specific permanent works of art, fully funded by the SFCA Works of Art Special Fund. If you happen to be a lover or a critic of public art installations, keep your eyes peeled because, according to information obtained from the SFCA's website, the process from request to reality might take a full five-year journey, but it's at no cost to the selected sites.
Not all state sites are mandated to join the SFCA's artful bandwagon; they can roll out their own funds to get the artwork done if they wish. But for those riding the free train, it starts at the high-level honchos—think Department Directors, District Superintendents, and such—who need to send a formal request on official letterhead or via email to the SFCA Executive Director. The request must include a prioritized location list and a description of the sites, including a point of contact and business address for each.
Once this request hits the SFCA desk, an Art in Public Places Project Manager will rejig the details with the site’s point person to ensure everything is crystal clear after which comes the formation of an Art Advisory Committee to take the reins of the project forward. The SFCA establishes a direct line of communication with the requesting entity, ensuring a seamless transition from the initiation phase to the unveiling of the final piece.
If you’re curious about how state government buildings can feature contemporary art, or if your agency wants to brighten its space with cultural artwork, the SFCA offers a downloadable PDF with all the guidelines. It’s available on the SFCA’s how-to page. As a preview of what’s possible, the SFCA highlights Scott Fitzel’s Mānaiakalani, a stainless steel and glass artwork inspired by waves and sunlight at the Nānākuli Public Library.
