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Washington state's public art rule
We have a statewide rule that one percent of all public works budgets be used for art and beautification. The "eye of the beholder" issue can be left aside for the moment.

One down side to the public art rule is that WA applies it even in buildings that are never visited by the public. According to numerous reports we have some of the most beautiful underground hallways and bridge abutments in America.

Perhaps it is time to apply the rule to the whole state contraction budget instead of to every project, perhaps with individual projects to have a smaller minimum, with credit for -- you'll pardon the expression -- "intelligent design" in public spaces, with the increased balance going to truly public places, especially schools.

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