Public Art Collections

For over thirty years, King County has been acquiring outstanding works of art for display in public buildings, hospitals, health centers, gathering places and parks. The mission of the Collection - managed by 4Culture - is to ensure that the work and thinking of artists is incorporated into King County buildings, public places and infrastructures. The Collection contains over 1,500 portable, permanently sited, or architecturally integrated public artworks of the highest quality. Using percent for art funds from County construction budgets, the Collection includes the work of the finest artists of the region, both established and emerging, along with artists of national and international acclaim.

While the majority of the Collection is made up of portable works, many forming smaller, discreet collections such as those at Harborview Medical Center and the Regional Justice Center, there are a significant number of integrated pieces. Artists on integrated projects work in collaboration with design teams and communities during the development of construction projects, making their contributions cost effective and appropriate to place. The Honors Program recognizes mature regional visual artists who have made a significant contribution to the creative culture of the Northwest.

All of the county's artworks are commissioned through a public process. Panels comprised of professional visual artists along with community and facility representatives evaluate the applicants. By including a broad range of professionals and community members, the Collection reflects the unique aspects of each project and surrounding communities.

From jewelry to paintings to land-based earthworks to transit centers, the Collection is a civic resource diverse in expression and form that makes art an integral part of everyday life for county residents and visitors. 

Honors Program
The Honors Program began in 1976 as part of County's Bicentennial Celebration. The Honor's Program recognizes mature mid-career artists who have made a significant contribution to this region through sustained production of high-quality artwork, and provides access to their work in public buildings and spaces throughout King County.

A panel of art professionals reviews Honors Program nominations and recommends artists for consideration. The selected artist has significant freedom to either create a new artwork - size, materials and subject matter are left up to the artist - or to contribute an existing work. Artists are also consulted on potential sites for the artwork. Over the years, the Honors Program has enabled King County to commission artwork by some of the Northwest's most preeminent artists. Visitors and citizens have the opportunity to experience regional masterworks as part of their everyday lives.