The Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) is a program of the United States Mint, established in 2003, which invites American artists to create designs for U.S. coins and medals, most notably the 50 State, DC and US Territories, and America the Beautiful quarters. The goal of the AIP is to enrich and diversify the design of United States coins and medals by contracting a collection of artists with varying artistic skills and talents. The program was created after some entries in the 50 State quarters series were described as being of poor quality, with a Mint spokesperson saying the AIP would ensure "excellence in design".