Across Australia, many councils and governments are introducing policies that encourage or require developers to incorporate public art into new developments.
Often referred to as a “1% for Art” policy, this approach allocates a small portion of a project’s construction budget to cultural and artistic outcomes.
For developers, understanding how these policies work is essential. When approached strategically, public art can enhance a development’s identity, increase community engagement and contribute to long-term place value.
At Art Pharmacy, we work with developers, architects and government agencies to design public art programs that align with planning requirements while also creating meaningful cultural outcomes.
Below is a practical guide to understanding the 1% for Art framework and how it applies to development projects.
What Is a 1% for Art Policy?
A 1% for Art policy is a planning or cultural policy that encourages a portion of the capital works budget for major developments to be allocated to public art.
The concept originated internationally and has been adopted in many cities as a way to ensure that cultural infrastructure grows alongside urban development.
In practice, the policy means that approximately one percent of the project’s construction value is allocated to:
- commissioning new artworks
- integrating art into buildings or landscapes
- supporting artist-led placemaking initiatives.
The policy recognises that art plays an important role in shaping the identity and experience of public spaces.
How Councils Apply Public Art Policies
In Australia, the application of public art policies varies between councils and states. Some municipalities have formal 1% for Art policies, while others include public art requirements within development control plans or planning agreements.
Depending on the location and scale of the development, councils may require a public art strategy, a curatorial framework, the identification of artwork locations within the design, engagement with artists or cultural consultants, and an allocated budget for artwork delivery.
These requirements are often assessed as part of the development approval process.
For developers, engaging an experienced art consultant early can ensure that public art requirements are addressed proactively rather than reactively.
How Public Art Budgets Are Calculated
While the name suggests a strict 1% allocation, the actual budget can vary depending on the policy and project.
Typically, public art budgets are calculated based on the total construction cost, public domain works, landscape budgets, and relevant infrastructure components.
In many projects, the art budget may fall between 0.5% and 1% of the development value.
The allocated budget is used to cover artist fees, artwork fabrication, engineering and approvals, installation, as well as documentation and maintenance planning.
A well-structured budget ensures the artwork is delivered safely, professionally, and sustainably.
Why Developers Should Think Strategically About Public Art
Public art should not be treated as a last-minute addition to a project.
When integrated early into the design process, it can strengthen the identity of a place, create memorable public spaces, support cultural storytelling, and enhance the experience of residents, visitors, and tenants.
Developments with strong cultural identity often become landmarks within their communities.
For property developers, this can translate into stronger brand differentiation, improved tenant attraction, and long-term value for the precinct.
Integrating Art Into Development Projects
Delivering public art successfully requires collaboration between multiple disciplines, including developers, architects, landscape architects, engineers, artists, and community stakeholders.
An experienced art consultancy helps coordinate these relationships and guide the project through each stage of delivery.
This typically includes developing a curatorial strategy, identifying artwork opportunities, selecting and briefing artists, managing fabrication and installation, and ensuring compliance with council requirements.
The Role of Art Consultancy
Public art delivery involves far more than commissioning an artwork.
Projects often require expertise in cultural research, intellectual property, artist contracts, engineering integration, as well as fabrication and installation management.
At Art Pharmacy, our role is to ensure that art programs are delivered in a way that is strategic, culturally meaningful, and aligned with development outcomes.
Final Thoughts
As cities grow, public art is increasingly recognised as an essential part of urban development.
A well-designed art program can transform a development from simply a building into a place with identity and cultural value.
Understanding the principles behind the 1% for Art policy allows developers to approach public art not as a compliance requirement, but as an opportunity to contribute to the cultural fabric of a city.
About Art Pharmacy
Art Pharmacy is a B Corp-certified art consultancy working with developers, architects and government agencies to deliver public art strategies, artist commissions and integrated cultural programs.
We specialise in embedding art into major developments, public spaces, transport infrastructure, and commercial buildings.
Article by Emilya Colliver