Commissioning a Project

How does Public Art Happen?

Deciding on the Project

  • Select the site
  • Select the type of public art
  • Determine the budget 
  • Determine the artwork details 
  • Secure the property owner contract or information from the city for a civic project
  • Survey the selected site
  • Apply for the necessary permits

Call to Artists

  • Decide on the type of Call to Artists: Open Call (Requests for Qualifications) / Limited Call (Requests for Proposals) / Direct Selection
  • Bring together a selection committee of local stakeholders, artists, and arts administrators to determine guidelines for the project
  • Create the Call to Artists with budget, artist qualifications, and artwork details
  • Release RFQ on local and national artist platforms

Award Process

  • Narrow applications down to 3-5 artists based on portfolio or proposal
  • Selected artists present concepts: Illustrations or models of the proposed design, a detailed project budget, installation details, proposed timeline, maintenance plan with estimate of costs, bio, and artist statement
  • Score proposals based on matrix
  • Award contract

Artwork Creation

  • Fabrication by artist
  • Site Preparation
  • Installation

Timing

  • Phase I (Discovery Phase) 4-12 Weeks
  • Phase II (Development Phase) 6-12 Weeks
  • Phase III (Fabrication and Install Phase) 12-52 Weeks

Would you like to commission a public art project or get support for a project already in the works?  Contact us here

I’ve seen that! – OR – That’s my public art! – MAYBE –  I need more information on this public artwork!  Give us some feedback or ask a question here