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In the context of modernism and industrialization overshadowing the artistic value in architecture, France – a country with a vast architectural heritage from the Renaissance – pioneered the restoration of the connection between art and living spaces. To address the uniformity and lack of creativity in public buildings, the French government implemented the "1% for Art" policy in 1951.
Accordingly, this policy applies to numerous community infrastructure construction projects, including schools, administrative buildings, and transportation infrastructure. Artists are encouraged to create works that reflect the environment, function, and popular culture through various forms: sculptures, murals, or installations, with the support of local authorities.
The 1% Art Policy: The Driving Force Behind Public Art in France
To address the uniformity and lack of creativity in public works, the French government implemented the "1% for Art" policy in 1951.
This policy is not only a measure to beautify urban areas but also a way to spark the community's creativity, promote cultural diversity, and create more welcoming living spaces. Artworks created within this framework often reflect local cultural identity, using diverse forms and colors to create unique pieces that bear the distinct personal imprint of the artist. From vibrant murals on hospital walls to abstract sculptures in parks, art has become an integral part of daily life for the French people.
Throughout history, from ancient Greece and Rome to the Renaissance and Bauhaus, the combination of art and architecture has always played a vital role in social expression.
The "1% for Art" policy is not only a success for France but also an inspiration for many other countries around the world. It has proven that investing in art is not just a luxury but also an investment in the future, contributing to building a civilized and developed society.
France, a European country renowned for its rich architectural history, has implemented a policy of "1% for Art".
The Georges Frêches Hotel Management School in Montpellier is a vivid example of the success of art support in architecture. The talented designer Matali Crasset breathed new life into urban architecture by giving the school a colorful and unique "coat." The school's facade is covered with 17,000 triangular anodized aluminum panels, creating a giant canvas that constantly changes color and shape in the sunlight. Each angle of the triangles tells a small story, collectively narrating the tale of a dynamic and creative city.
Established in 1951, "1% for Art" was a public funding program that allocated a portion of the budget to create decorative artwork for schools.
More than just a work of art, the school's facade is a unique system of illuminated windows, providing a learning and working space filled with natural light. With over 5,000 geometric glass frames, Matali Crasset has transformed his metal artwork into a giant prism, reflecting images of the sky and white clouds onto the walls.
Matali Crasset's work not only transformed the appearance of Georges Frêches School but also became a new symbol of Montpellier, attracting the attention of tourists and locals alike. It demonstrated that art is not merely decoration but a powerful tool for creating innovative living and working spaces where people can find inspiration and personal growth.
However, the policy was revised and expanded in 1972 after facing criticism for limiting the arts in educational institutions.
The policy's primary goal is to continuously advance the progress of art and architecture by challenging artists to work and create within constraints. “We must always adhere to specific client requirements and the strict rules for public projects. '1% for Art' encourages the decoration or arrangement of artwork and the artistic intervention of artists to enhance the inherent quality of the building,” shared Matali Crasset.
For over half a century, the "1% for Art" policy has become a unique cultural phenomenon in France, contributing to shaping a country with public spaces brimming with color and inspiration. This policy is not merely a legal regulation but also a declaration of the value of art in life. Thanks to "1% for Art," art has escaped its enclosed exhibition spaces to integrate into daily life, becoming an integral part of the urban landscape.
From vibrant murals on skyscrapers to unique sculptures in parks, art has become a universal language, connecting people across cultural and social barriers. This policy has produced a generation of talented artists who constantly innovate and enrich humanity's artistic heritage.
"1% for Art" is not only a success for France but also an inspiration for many other countries around the world. It has proven that investing in art is not just a luxury but a smart investment, yielding long-term benefits for society. This policy has contributed to building an image of France as a country rich in identity, a land of art and creativity.
