Art Bank Collection

In support of visual artists and art galleries in the Washington metropolitan area, artwork is purchased each year to expand the District’s Art Bank Collection, a growing collection of moveable works funded through DC Creates! Public Art Works in this collection are owned by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH) under the District’s Art in Public Places Program and loaned to other District government agencies for display in public areas of government buildings. A segment of the collection is devoted to works that visually document Washington, highlighting the beauty and charm of our residents, neighborhoods, parks, avenues, and local landmarks. Washington's collection helps preserve the city's past and is an important legacy for future generations.

Currently there are over 2,500 artworks in the Art Bank Collection, installed in more than 150 District government agencies. An open call is initiated each year to invite local artists to submit artwork for consideration of purchase into the collection, providing the selected artists with financial and professional benefits. A selection committee is formed to review prospective works and to make final selections of all new acquisitions. Once purchased, the artwork is documented, framed and installed in public areas of District government agencies, improving the environment in public facilities for District employees and residents alike.

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