ART FOR THE NEW HEADQUARTERS BUILDING

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP90M01364R000700120001-7
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 27, 2016
• Document Release Date: January 28, 2013
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: December 19, 1988
• Content Type: MEMO

Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/01/28: CIA-RDP90M01364R000700120001-7
7 I c, /?
ADMINISTRATIVE--INTERNAL USE ONLY
MEMORANDUM FOR: Director of Central Intelligence
VIA:
STAT FROM:
1 9 DEC 1988
Deputy Director of Central Intelligence
Executive Director, Central Intelligence Agency
Deputy Director for Administration
Chairman
Fine Arts Commisssion
SUBJECT: Art for the New Headquarters Building
1. ACTION REQUESTED: Your approval of Mr. James Sanborn's proposal
for a sculpture to be erected at the New Headquarters Building.
2. BACKGROUND: In 1987, the Agency decided to allocate a small
percentage-of funds appropriated for the New Headquarters Building for
the creation of new art as authorized in federal construction
guidelines. The Fine Arts Commission, in conjunction with the then New
Building Project Office, considered a number of ways to acquire the
art: through the building architect; through a paid consultant; or
through the Art-In-Architecture program of the General Services
Administration (GSA/AIA). The latter program was selected because more
of the available funds would go toward acquisition of the art -- no
commissions, fees, etc. -- and because it offered a superior selection
process.
3. The GS/AIA program established a panel of experts under the
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Simultaneously, the Fine Arts
Commission established a small ad hoc group to work with them, including
the preparation of a Statement of Principles for the project. The NEA
panel then met to review slides of the works of several hundred
artists. As a result, they recommended six artists to GSA and CIA.
Mr. Sanborn was selected to make a proposal for a sculpture and Mr. Matt
Mullican to propose graphics for use inside the building. Mr. Sanborn
accepted a commission; Mr. Mullican declined the offer. The search for
an alternate is continuing.
4. On 29 November 1988, Mr. Sanborn presented his proposal to the
NEA panel, GSA, members of the Fine Arts Commission, the Executive
Director, and the Deputy Director for Administration. His concept
embodies the connection between intelligence and information.
ADMINISTRATIVE--INTERNAL USE ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/01/28: CIA-RDP90M01364R000700120001-7
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/01/28: CIA-RDP90M01364R000700120001-7
STAT
STAT
STAT
STAT
ADMINISTRATIVE--INTERNAL USE ONLY
SUBJECT: Art for the New Headquarters Building
The sculpture is in two sections: one part for the west entrance to the
new building and the other for the courtyard between the existing
cafeteria and the new building. Information is symbolized in large, red
granite constructions which include other materials such as copper
plates, lodestone (rock magnetized by lightning), quartzite rock, and
petrified wood. All those attending the presentation were favorably
Impressed with the concept, and we believe this proposal fully meets the
goals and expectations set forth in the Agency's statement of principles
for the art. The work will attract and maintain the attention of our
employees now and in the future. It is a world class work of art of
which the Agency can be extremely proud.
RECOMMENDATION: That you approve Mr. Sanborn's proposal.
CONCUR:
Deputy Director fof Adminstration
Date
/
Date
Deputy 'irector o Central Intelligence Date
2
ADMINISTRATIVE--INTERNAL USE ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/01/28: CIA-RDP90M01364R000700120001-7
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/01/28: CIA-RDP90M01364R000700120001-7
ADMINISTRATIVE--INTERNAL USE ONLY
SUBJECT: Art for the New Headquarters Building
APPROVED:
FT- /c
Director of Central Intelligenc Date
3
ADMINISTRATIVE--INTERNAL USE ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/01/28: CIA-RDP90M01364R000700120001-7
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/01/28: CIA-RDP90M01364R000700120001-7
STAT
ADMINISTRATIVE--INTERNAL USE ONLY
SUBJECT: Art for the New Headquarters Building
DCl/ICS
Distribution:
Original - Addressee
1 - ER
1 - DDCI
1 - DDA
1 - FAC Subject File
(16 Dec 88)
4
ADMINISTRATIVE--INTERNAL USE ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/01/28: CIA-RDP90M01364R000700120001-7