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Physical Facilities

Artwork of Deity Guidelines for Brigham Young University

“If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.” (Articles of Faith 1:13)

Depictions of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ can invite the Holy Ghost to teach and testify of Them. The First Presidency has asked that we increasingly strive to portray Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in ways that reflect Their sacred nature and character.

The following guidelines have been carefully chosen and approved for use when selecting depictions of Deity for campus facilities. Though these guidelines are specifically for artwork depicting Deity, the selection of all religious artwork should be made with consideration of the principles in these guidelines.

Guiding Principles

  1. Reverence
    Depictions should be dignified, respectful, and in keeping with the sacred reverence afforded to the Father and the Son.
  2. Godly Attributes
    Depictions should reflect godly attributes described in scripture, such as charity, virtue, light, glory, intelligence, etc. (see Doctrine & Covenants 93:36).
  3. Scriptural Consistency
    Depictions should be doctrinally, scripturally, and historically consistent (see Doctrine and Covenants 93:24).
  4. Spiritual and Emotional Connection
    Depictions should be in harmony with the Spirit and should not distract from the Savior, His mission, or the gospel principle being taught (see Doctrine and Covenants 6:36). Look for artwork that invites peace and contemplation.
  5. Dignified Representation
    Portrayals of the Savior’s suffering, or of Heavenly Father, should not be overly descriptive concerning sacred detail (see Doctrine and Covenants 76:114–116).
    For example, depictions of the marks in the Savior’s hands, wrists, and feet should be dignified, not graphic, and in keeping with the sacred witness they convey of His atoning sacrifice (see 3 Nephi 11:14).
    Within these parameters, artists can use inspired imagination in the depiction of the Savior.
  6. Timeless
    Following the above parameters, depictions should not be trendy in appearance (see Isaiah 53:2).
  7. Appropriate Interaction with Others
    Depictions of the Savior interacting with others should maintain dignity and reverence (see Doctrine and Covenants 67:10–12).
  8. Variety of Portrayals
    Depictions should avoid emphasizing one actor or depiction of the Savior in a way that creates a single perceived image of the Lord.
  9. Consideration of Size and Room Scale
    A small piece of art on a large wall will look lost, while an oversized painting in a small room is overwhelming. Aim for balance—art should fill the space without overpowering it.

Selection of Art

Areas on campus have been categorized into the following tiers to assist with selecting depictions of Deity that would be appropriate for the space.

Locations

Tier 1: Rooms used for sacrament meetings and areas outside of these rooms serving as foyers. In addition, areas clearly visible from the exterior of any building (e.g., building entrances and lobbies).

Tier 2: Areas being used by bishoprics and stake presidencies, including private offices, conference rooms, lobbies, and reception areas.

Tier 3: Corridors, hallways, general classrooms, and student-use areas (e.g., study halls, labs, etc.) that don’t fall under Tiers 1 or 2.

Tier 4: Private offices not being used by bishoprics or stake presidencies.

General Guidelines


  • Artwork with images of Deity in Tiers 1, 2, and 3 requires approval by the BYU Art Committee.
  • Artwork of Deity for Tiers 1, 2, and 3 is to be selected with assistance from a BYU interior designer, who will help with the needed approvals. Campus units or personnel should submit a Physical Facilities Work Order request to initiate the process.
  • Tiers 1 and 2 primarily display artwork of Deity from the following church-approved catalogs:
    • Tier 1. Meetinghouse Foyers Art Catalog, see church website using this link: Select Artwork (select Category: Approved Selection of Foyer Artwork”
    • Tier 2. Church Facilities Art Catalog: Select Artwork (“Approved Selection of Foyer Artwork” or any other church facility category and package)
  • Campus units and personnel can also submit proposals to the Art Committee for images of Deity that are not included in the catalogs. Submit a Physical Facilities Work Order Request to initiate any request for approval.
  • Religious artwork that does not depict Deity does not need approval by the Art Committee

Tier 1 Guidelines


  • Guiding Principles 1–9
  • Artwork selections should be carefully and thoroughly scrutinized to ensure they reflect scriptural consistency, sacred detail, and reverence for the Savior.
  • Artwork approved for meetinghouse foyers will be the primary resource for Tier 1.
  • Any additional artwork will need to be approved by the BYU Art Committee.

Tier 2 Guidelines


  • Guiding Principles 1–9
  • Artwork approved for Church facilities will be the primary resource for Tier 2.
  • Tier 1 artwork is also eligible for Tier 2.
  • Any additional artwork will need to be approved by the BYU Art Committee.
  • Agreements and guidelines for Church use of campus facilities should also be considered and followed.

Tier 3 Guidelines


  • Guiding Principles 1–9
  • Artwork selections for Tier 3 may come from a broader field of options than for Tiers 1 and 2. Selections may vary in style and artistic representation but should be governed by the principles of timelessness, reverence, and Godly attributes.
  • Tier 1 or 2 artwork is also eligible for Tier 3.
  • Any additional artwork will need to be approved by the BYU Art Committee.

Tier 4 Guidelines


  • Guiding Principles 1–9
  • Artwork selections will not be reviewed by the BYU Art Committee but should be governed by the Artwork of Deity Guidelines for Brigham Young University.

Process for Managing Artwork of Deity for BYU Campus


The process outlined below will guide the work of maintaining a catalog of artwork with images of Deity for BYU campus and the selection, procurement, and installation of such artwork.

Process for Procuring New Artwork:


  • Requests for new artwork with images of Deity are to be submitted to Physical Facilities through a Physical Facilities Work Order request. The BYU interior designer assigned to the request will meet with the requestor and provide recommendations and estimated costs. Once artwork is selected and the funds are approved, the interior designer will assist with procurement and coordination of installation.
  • Installation of artwork is to be done by the BYU Carpenter Shop.
  • Costs associated with new artwork being requested by a college or department will be covered by the requesting college or department.

BYU Art Committee Responsibilities


  • Review and approve any requests for new artwork to be added to the BYU catalog of artwork with images of Deity.
  • Review any proposed changes to guidelines and submit committee-approved changes to BYU President’s Council for approval.
  • See that the approved catalog, guidelines, and processes are published to university colleges/departments.

Existing Artwork on Campus


  • The BYU interior design team will review artwork already on campus to make sure it meets the criteria outlined in the guidelines. Findings will be reviewed with the BYU Art Committee, then submitted to Campus Planning. If any artwork is not considered to be in line with these guidelines, new artwork will be suggested.