University Public Art Committee
The University Public Art Committee supports the thoughtful review, placement, and stewardship of public art throughout Colorado State University, helping enhance the campus environment through art that reflects the university’s values, character, and commitment to excellence.
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Use the links below to quickly find UPAC overview information, membership details, public art resources, proposal guidance, and CSU public art information.
Overview
The University Public Art Committee (UPAC) acts as a central review mechanism for works of art proposed for placement on the CSU campus. UPAC fosters the enrichment of the university’s visual environment while helping to assure that only works of public art of an appropriately high standard become part of the university environment, whether permanently or temporarily.
To uphold appropriate standards, UPAC developed public art guidelines and procedures governing the selection process for public art on campus. Any work of art added to CSU’s public art collection must be reviewed through UPAC. The committee also seeks to stimulate a dynamic public art presence both on campus and in the City of Fort Collins, with particular attention to areas where the city and university intersect.
UPAC is a subcommittee of the Physical Development Committee. Members meet on an as-needed basis to review public artwork proposals through the university public art process and work closely with campus stakeholders responsible for bringing art to the university.
Collaboration in carrying out the guidelines and procedures may include CSU Facilities Management, the Department of Art and Art History, the Office of Advancement, the City of Fort Collins, and other partners. Members also participate in the public art selection process for state-funded projects as needed.
Meeting Schedule
UPAC meets on an as-needed basis to review public art proposals. Contact UPAC with questions regarding meeting schedules or proposal timing.
Committee Membership
UPAC brings together representatives with expertise in campus planning, public art, design, museum collections, community arts, advancement, and student interests.
- Chair, Environmental Graphic Designer and Landscape Architect – Jessica Kramer
- Landscape Architect and Planner – Jenny Burkhalter
- Senior Graphic Designer, University Marketing and Communications – Jarad Heintzelman
- Registrar/Collections Manager, Gregory Allicar Museum of Art / University Center for the Arts – Suzanne Hale
- Professor, Landscape Design and Contracting Program – Zachary Johnson
- City of Fort Collins Arts Program – TBD
- Program Manager, Lory Student Center Arts Program, Campus Activities – Doug Sink
- Senior Graphic Designer, University Advancement Engagement – Kate Wyman
- Senior Director, Visual Arts Programming and Engagement, and Managing Director, Gregory Allicar Museum – Xinran Yuan
- Facilities Management Program Assistant for the Committee – Julia Innes
- ASCSU Representative, Associated Students of Colorado State University – Vacant
CSU Public Art Resources
Review university policies, procedures, proposal requirements, and collection information related to public art at CSU.
University Public Art Policy
Establishes the process for reviewing, funding, and siting art proposed for installation in public spaces.
University Public Art Procedures
Describes criteria and processes for selection, acquisition, presentation, maintenance, preservation, and removal of public art.
Public Art Proposal Form
Outlines the information required for public art proposals submitted for university review.
Plan ahead: Submit proposals a minimum of four months before the desired installation date.
Master List of CSU Public Art
Explore the university’s documented collection of public art.
Art Museum Collections Management
Review CSU Policy 2-1778-001 related to art museum collections management.
Process for Unsolicited Art Proposals
Review the steps required for submitting, evaluating, approving, and implementing unsolicited public art proposals at CSU.
Public Art at CSU
CSU’s public art collection contributes to the physical, cultural, and educational character of the university environment.
Colorado State University (CSU) aims to enhance the campus environment through the acquisition and display of public art. Public displays of art by institutions of higher education should aspire to enlighten and enrich the lives of students, employees, alumni, and visitors alike.
Identifying works of public art operates similarly to projects of research and publication across a variety of academic disciplines. As such, public art seeks to give visual and physical form to core university values, including freedom of speech and expression, respect for diverse viewers and users, and the creation of a stimulating yet safe environment.
Stewardship of the existing public art collection — and of works entering the university’s collection in the future — is an integral consideration, as is preserving the value of the collection as a whole. To that end, the University Public Art Committee (UPAC) works to assure that public art placed on campus reflects the university’s commitment to excellence while also evaluating appropriate long- or short-term care for each work.
By expanding the collection and display of public art throughout campus, CSU seeks to create a physical and aesthetic environment that reflects the university’s heritage, diversity, and pursuit of knowledge.
Some of CSU’s public art is funded through the Colorado Art in Public Places Program, which allocates one percent (1%) of the state’s capital construction funds for new or renovated state buildings.
You can also learn more about one of CSU’s public artworks, Good Earth, sculpted by Roxanne Swentzell, through a November 2021 SOURCE article.
Have a Public Art Proposal or Question?
Contact the University Public Art Committee for guidance on proposal requirements, review schedules, public art procedures, or the CSU public art collection.
