Given the inherent unpredictably of funding for public art, how do public art programs plan for the future?

Public art programs often depend on multiple sources of funding that can change dramatically from year to year. Even when a public art program operates under the relative security of a percent for art mandate, the monies available may fluctuate and the capital building projects that provide those funds may change or disappear. This means that public art programs have, by necessity, become accustomed to being reactive and nimble in their long-term plans. Programs seldom plan beyond two years into the future, and it is important for them to prioritize their work and be prepared to complete commissions and maintenance on the basis of greatest need. It is also important for public art programs to work closely with partners in other departments in order to anticipate and prepare for budget changes, and to keep those partners informed when changes occur.