Guide to commissioning Public Art

This is a brief guide to the main stages of commissioning a Public Art project.

What is a Public Art commission?

A Public Art commission is where an artist or artists are contracted to make original work in a place that is publicly accessible. The commissioner will write a brief, explaining the context for the work and detailing the commission. The brief is advertised for artists to make proposals and the commissioner will then choose the proposal that best fits the requirements of the commission.

Writing a brief for a commission

Having a clear understanding of the purpose of the commission is the starting point for any brief. As well as describing the overarching purpose, the details of the brief might include:

The physical location
A timeline for the project, including the duration if it is temporary
The role of the local community in the commission and their engagement
Any theme or subject for the work, including links to local or historical events
Any specific materials to be used or requirements for scale or durability

The brief will also include information about:

The selection process
The fee for the commissioned work
Who the commissioner is, and details of any other partners in the project

Advertising a Public Art commission

Adur & Worthing Councils will advertise Public Art commissions on their website, see:

Public Art: Local commissions and opportunities

Additionally, opportunities can be posted for free on:

ArtsJobs on the Arts Council website

You can also use social media to get the word out, and consider tagging relevant organisations such as:

Contracts for Public Art commissions

A contract with the successful artist/s is essential and will clearly lay out the expectations on each side, confirming the details of the project as advertised in the brief.

When writing it, you should consider the following:

How and in what stages will the payments be made?
Does the fee include VAT?
A timeline for delivery including any important milestones
When the work is finished, who will own it, and who will be responsible for maintenance and repairs?
What rights will the commissioner and the artist have in the areas of copyright, intellectual property, reproduction and moral rights?
Details about fabrication - is the artist making the work, or contracting it out?
Details about installation - who is meeting these costs and carrying out the work?
Are any guarantees required in relation to materials / construction?
Details of any insurance that the artist must provide
Disputes and termination - if the situation arises:
- how would disagreements be resolved?
- and how would the agreement between artist and commissioner end?

Managing a Public Art commission

A project manager will usually need to work with the artist/s for the duration of the commission. The amount of involvement will depend on the complexity of the project.

As artists may not be local to the area that they are working in, a project manager can help with making introductions, building connections with local businesses, finding and sharing historical or other information about the location, assist with finding venues for workshop sessions and recruiting participants, sourcing local suppliers and other similar tasks during the production of the work.

As the project progresses, the artists may come up with new ideas as a result of research or their creative process and wish to make changes to the original plans. Any changes to plans or costs may need to be approved by the commissioner.

When the final artwork is complete, a project manager can work with all parties to plan an official launch or celebration including press coverage and photography.