Art in Schools Guidelines

Art Context Statement

Works of art reflect the values of their time; as such, they may depict some of the ethnic and racial prejudices that were commonplace in American society. These depictions were wrong then and are wrong today. While some artwork in the PPS collection does not represent PPS' values or views of today's society, it is presented as originally created because to do otherwise would be the same as claiming these prejudices never existed.

The art collection at PPS includes gifts from students, families, alumni and other community members, as well as from the General Services Administration through New Deal Works Progress Administration (WPA) programs. In all cases, art at PPS buildings is managed by PPS Planning and Real Estate in close coordination with PPS Risk and Legal. There is also art in our schools which reflects ongoing student work which is administered by PPS Visual and Performing Arts in collaboration with PPS Planning and Real Estate and Facilities.

Moving or Changing Art in PPS Facilities

PPS appreciates the desire to display student or local artists' work and individualize school facilities to represent the school to the surrounding community. The following requirements apply to all schools considering changes to their artwork on display with the understanding that art moves and installations of all kinds are projects which require full design review and management support.

All existing artwork is the property of PPS or the Federal Government and may not be sold, gifted, or reproduced.

All artwork changes, including moves within a school or to another school, acquisitions, and removals are reviewed and approved by the Art Management Committee. Legal requirements under the Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA) may require specific actions to be taken prior to any additions or removals of art. VARA provides protections for artwork created within a specific period of time and all proposals must align with the requirements set forth in this law.

Requesting Art Changes
Scheduling Art Changes

Requesting Art Changes

As of 4/9/2025, all art change requests cannot be processed without confirmed funding due to fiscal constraints. The schedule for changes will be subject to resource availability.

Art changes are managed through a four-step process. Successfully completing these steps will result in a project or work order, depending on the scope of the change.

Entering a Project Request through the support portal
Art Management Committee review and comments on the initial request.
Final materials updated for Committee review and approval.
Finalization of the Project Request.

Submit a request by following the Project Request process.

The following materials are required for a PPS Art Management Committee review of a proposed change of existing artwork or addition of artwork to a school:

Evidence of student and community engagement including public meeting attendance lists, copies of materials presented or produced during the engagement process
Purpose of the proposed change to or addition of artwork as it relates to curriculum or student programs
Evidence of original artwork (for additions)
Specifications of the mural: size (length x width x height and weight), location, material, medium
Artist specifications and engineering requirements for installation and maintenance
- Artwork attached to a school's exterior will not be approved without envelope (building enclosure system) and engineering consultants' details submitted in advance to PPS Facilities for review and approval. The timeline for this review and approval process is typically 1 year or longer.
Signed VARA waiver

Scheduling Art Changes

For Art Management Committee change approval, please allow 20 to 28* weeks of processing time for a proposed change. Please note that the change request approval process is in addition to that required for permitting and completing the work.

All interior and exterior displays must comply with current codes and standards
Both permanent and temporary (not to exceed 90 days) exterior displays are likely to be subject to City permitting requirements with related fees, as well as design review and community engagement requirements. See this LINK for more information
All permit package development, fees, and other requirements are the responsibility of the school or group proposing the work
Art de-installations (removal), moves, and installations are required to be carried out by a qualified art mover and installer

Mural FAQs

Murals are a popular art request in our schools. However, permanent installations such as grouted, cast, or direct-painted works require more District resources to review and approve as they present obstacles to efficient and equitable facility maintenance. If a mural is the preferred approach, the following elements should be incorporated into the proposed design.

Murals are required to be:

Maintained for at least two years. Please include the maintenance plan with other materials
No higher than 30 feet above grade at the top edge
In compliance with all additional standards if located in a Design Overlay Zone or on a non-contributing building in a historic or conservation district

Murals are not allowed on:

Sites with historic or conservation landmarks, or contributing buildings in a historic or conservation district
Stormwater facilities
Brick walls
Windows and window trim
Doors and door trim
Any fixtures such as lights, toilet partitions, or sinks/urinals/toilets
Lockers
Walking surfaces
Signs

WPA Art

Through the WPA between 1932-1938, artisans from every medium were hired to create works of art for public spaces as part of what is considered the single greatest work reformation program in US history. Artworks produced through these programs are the property of the Federal Government and are on loan to schools and public institutions throughout the United States. PPS has worked with the United States General Services Administration to catalog New Deal artwork in the District.