The city has consistently invested in public art since 2000, when the percentage principle was reintroduced after a few decades of more cautious contributions.
Commissioned works designed for public environments and buildings can be stand-alone works of art or elements that are integrated into the architecture of buildings or even the green spaces – such as plantings, pavings or furniture. Works acquired on the percentage basis can be permanent or temporary. The lifecycle of each artwork is determined by the implementation method and the materials and methods used. The completed works are added to the art collections of the City of Oulu managed by Oulu Art Museum.
Photograph: Mika Friman.
For each project, a working group is appointed with representatives of the organisation in question, the architect company, Oulu facility services or Oulu community and environmental services, Oulu Museum and Science Centre / Oulu Art Museum and the company responsible for the actual construction work. After an invitation-based artist selection process, the artist joins the working group. The Museum and Science Centre / Oulu Art Museum is the commissioner, art expert and coordinator in the projects.