Art Bank changes, public-art programs updated; individual awards rise to $15,000

Corinne Miller, who leads CEH—s public arts team, told the Commission that the Art Bank request for applications released April 14 includes several changes to the program: CEH will acquire one artwork per artist, artists may submit up to three works (down from five), the maximum award for a single artwork from an individual is now $15,000 (up from $10,000) and organizations may receive up to $25,000 (up from $20,000). "The bulk of the RFA remains the same," Miller said.

Miller also reported that the RFA continues to require that artists live within 50 miles of Washington, D.C.; staff said they are working with the Office of the General Counsel to confirm the policy—s provenance but have been "reassured that we are still within compliance with, DC government."

On program status, Miller said an anticipated memorandum of understanding with the Department of Public Works (DPW) for a FY25 barrels-DC partnership could not be advanced this fiscal year, leaving a gap for mural artists. "We will look into developing other opportunities for FY 26 and beyond," she said. Miller said the Public Art Committee recommended staff continue to work closely with DPW and, if necessary, the Deputy Mayor of Operations and Infrastructure to reach better agreement and clarity around the program.

Miller summarized other public-art items: the Color the Curve school safety program selected four finalists and the Nicholson Project expects a May 2025 launch plan. The public art team is also finalizing a collections policy to guide stewardship and preservation of CEH—s collection and reported that installations and Art Bank loans continue to be in demand across District agencies and council offices.

Staff told commissioners that works-in-series will not be accepted for Art Bank consideration under the new RFA and encouraged commissioners and community members to share the opportunity with prospective applicants.