The Visual Art Commission (VAC) in Loveland was created in 1985. We were the first community in Colorado to pass an Arts in Public Places program. The City sets aside one percent of all construction costs associated with City Capital Projects valued at $50,000 or more. The VAC oversees the purchase, maintenance and documentation of the artwork under the direction of nine members and 2 City staff liaisons. Since its inception, the City has built a collection worth almost $8 million.

Loveland's Public Art Collection includes: - 361 total pieces - 193 bronzes - 113 interior pieces - 248 exterior pieces - 62% of pieces have been donated - 36% of pieces have been purchased - 2% of pieces are shared - New pieces added annually

In addition to adding pieces to the city’s collection, the Visual Arts Commission set funds aside for preservation which includes:

• Installation
• Security
• Regularly scheduled maintenance
• Emergency repairs

The Loveland High Plains Arts Council, through the Sculpture in the Park Show, has contributed over 100 pieces to Benson Park using the show's annual proceeds. The Loveland Sculpture Group, through the Loveland Sculpture Invitational, has also donated pieces to the City from their proceeds and has granted over $250,000 through the years to arts programs in the public school district. These are the two largest outdoor sculpture shows in the country. They provide attendees with exposure to a broad representation of sculpture from across the country and the globe. The shows have a major economic impact in August every year. The City of Loveland is fortunate to have these two organizations and the VAC which create an amazingly beautiful and diverse arts community. The VAC uses the CAFÉ (Call for Entry) program for the application process. Click here to visit CAFÉ