Rijkscollectie Percentagekunst (The Percentage for Art Programme)

The Rijkscollectie Percentagekunst (The Percentage for Art Programme at the Dutch Government Real Estate Agency) consists of an important collection of over 5.000 sculptures, photographs, paintings, installations, tapestries and other forms of art in and around buildings of the central government. Well-known works include the tapestries by Marlène Dumas in the District Court of 's-Hertogenbosch, Karel Appel's installation at the Tax Office in Apeldoorn and the paintings by Rudi van de Wint in the plenary hall of the Second Chamber of the Dutch parliament.

Art Policy
The Central Government Real Estate Agency of the Netherlands is the largest commissioner of visual art in the Netherlands. When properties are (re)built or renovated, between 0.5 and 2 percent of the total project budget is allocated to commissioning new artwork made specifically for these locations. The collection is managed in house by a team of art advisors.

History
The Percentage for Art scheme was established in 1951. At that time, the starting point was the provision of work for artists (reconstruction) and beautification of government offices. Over the years, a very diverse collection has emerged, which can be seen as a reflection of recent art history. In the beginning, for example, mainly large, monumental artworks were produced that were integrated into architecture, such as Beljon's work at the Public Prosecutor's Office in Arnhem. Later more autonomous work was made, including photography, new media and artworks of a temporary nature. Important artists such as Escher, Peter Struycken, Auke de Vries, Karel Appel, Jan Dibbets, Wim T. Schippers, Marlène Dumas and Rob Birza are represented in the collection, as well as young, still relatively unknown artists.