Metallotus by Cameron McNall at 334 S. Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013. Stainless steel. The artwork is a sculpture, designed by Electroland, and suspended above a public plaza in the center of the Medallion development in downtown Los Angeles.
The City requires that each owner of a private development project, valued at $500,000 or more, pay an arts fee based on the square footage of the building or one-percent of the project’s Building and Safety permit valuation, whichever is lower. A private developer may choose either to work with DCA to oversee their own site-specific ADF-funded art project (“developer-led project”) or to pay the fee associated with their project (“paid-in fee”). For the paid-in fees, DCA maintains a trust fund of segregated project accounts to fund future DCA programming that benefits the users at each project address.
The City of Los Angeles occasionally sends out requests for proposals or qualifications for public art opportunities. To find out more about these artist opportunities:
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Arts Development Fee (ADF) ordinance established?
The ADF ordinance was established in 1991 and can be found in the City's charter under section 91.107.
How is the Arts Development Fee Calculated?
The ADF is calculated for development projects that have a construction value of $500,000 or greater. The following types of development are subject to the fee: office, retail, manufacturing, warehouse, and hotel. The fee is calculated based on the square footage. In no event shall the required arts fee exceed either $1.57 per gross square foot of any structure authorized by the permit or one percent of the valuation of the project designated on the permit, whichever is lower, as determined by the Department of Building and Safety.
What types of developments are subject to the ADF requirement?
Office, retail, manufacturing, warehouse, and hotels. Residential units and parking structures are exempt.
What is a “developer-led” project?
At the time the developer visits LADBS, they will be presented with two options: directly pay the fee into the trust fund or enter into an advance Agreement with the Department of Cultural Affairs. These are considered "developer-led" projects because the project DCA works with the Developer to fulfill the art requirement.
What is considered an art project?
Acceptable art projects range from traditional hart-art to programming such as dance or educational arts workshops.
What happens if I decide to pay the fee when the building permit is pulled at LADBS?
If the fee is paid at LADBS no further action is required, and there is not a refund opportunity. DCA manages the fees that are deposited into the fund and provides arts and cultural programming in alignment with the ordinance.
How will DCA utilize the fees that are accumulated in the Trust Fund?
The ADF Trust Fund is utilized according to the ordinance and the Cultural Masterplan and is utilized to support and create city-wide initiatives that benefit the general public.
What if I enter into an advance Agreement with DCA to fulfill the art project and need to cancel the Agreement during the process?
In the event that this scenario occurs, DCA would cash-out on the financial security that was provided as collateral at the start of the project. This would fulfill the ADF obligation.
What type of financial collateral is accepted as part of an advance Agreement?
The City Attorney's office has approved two financial instruments: Letter of Credit or Certificate of Deposit.
How long do I have to complete my art project?
The Agreements range between 2.5 - 3 years and coincide with a standard construction schedule. A developer has this amount of time to complete the project, as stipulated in the Final Art Plan.
Do I need to select a Los Angeles-based artist for my project?
DCA strongly encourages LA-based artists, but it is not a requirement. In the event that a non-LA-based artist is selected, DCA highly recommends utilizing local fabricators and manufacturers. Additionally, all artists must meet specific criteria.
Does DCA provide a list of artists for ADF projects?
DCA is able to recommend artists that are on our pre-qualified rosters based on the nature of the proposed project.