# Montgomery County Code — Part II. Local Laws, Ordinances, Resolutions, Etc.

## Chapter 8. Buildings.

### Article VI. Works of Art in Public Architecture.

**Sec. 8-43. Definitions.**

  In this Article, work of art means an object, objects or surface embellishment produced with skill and taste. A work of art should generally be an original creation, rather than a mass-produced item, generally expressing, but not limited to, a social, cultural or historical theme. Works of art include, but are not limited to, paintings, sculptures, engravings, carvings, frescos, mobiles, murals, collages, mosaics, statues, bas-reliefs, tapestries, photographs, drawings, stained glass, fountains, or other decoration, either exterior or interior. The term does not include temporarily hung works of art, landscaping, or the choice or use of materials in architecture.

**Sec. 8-44. Public arts trust.**

  (a)   There is a Public Arts Trust fund within County Government to:

    (1)   receive, hold, and pay out public and private funds to:

      (A)   buy and display works of art on public property in the County; and

      (B)   pay the cost of administering the fund; and

    (2)   sponsor privately-funded temporary or permanent displays of art on public property in the County.

  (b)   The Chief Administrative Officer or a designee must administer the trust in consultation with:

    (1)   Arts and Humanities Council;

    (2)   Montgomery County Public Schools;

    (3)   Montgomery College; and

    (4)   Montgomery County Parks Commission.

  (c)   The Chief Administrative Officer must report to the County Council:

    (1)    each quarter on:

      (A)   new locations selected for works of art to be funded by the Public Arts Trust; and

      (B)   works of art purchased or displayed with Public Arts Trust funds during the quarter; and

    (2)   each year by January 15 on all other uses of Public Arts Trust funds during the prior calendar year.

**Sec. 8-45. Appropriation for art.**

  Each year the County Council should consider appropriating funds for the next fiscal year to the Public Arts Trust in an amount equal to .05% of the combined total approved programmed capital expenditures for the then current fiscal year for County Government, Public Schools, Montgomery College, and Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.