Public art's purpose is to bring art into everyday life, to enliven public spaces and to stimulate our thinking and imagination. The tradition of public art is thousands of years old and found in civilizations all over the world.

The State of North Carolina has purchased or commissioned artworks for state buildings since 1982. Between 1989 and 1995, artworks were commissioned using one-half of one percent of a building's construction budget. Called Artworks for State Buildings, the program was modeled on similar legislation in 26 other states and many U.S. and European cities.

Each of the artworks presented here was selected through an open process that involved users of the agency, design and arts professionals, and other citizens. The selection criteria included artistic excellence and relevance to the use, history or character of the site. Safety and maintenance considerations were also important.

This site is presented so that North Carolinians and visitors can see the state's public art collection. For convenience in visiting them, the artworks are identified either by city or campus and by specific building.

Operating hours and telephone numbers are provided for artworks located inside buildings. Many are located outside and may be seen on foot or from a car.

Public art in North Carolina is not limited to the examples on this site. Many artworks sponsored by cities, counties, and private corporations can be found in parks, office buildings, and municipal facilities.

The North Carolina Arts Council administers the Artworks for State Buildings program. The Arts Council's mission is to enrich the cultural life of the state by nurturing and supporting excellence in the arts and by providing opportunities for every North Carolinian to experience the arts.