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How to Win Public Art Commissions

Rob Fischer As Above, So Below, 2007 Steel, mesh, galvanized pipe and stained glass windows retrofitted from a church 204 x 168 x 58”

Daleene Menning

Daleene Menning has completed numerous local public art commissions in Western Michigan. (Starting local is usually a good idea) Here are her suggestions:

1. "Research the project carefully and do not submit just any old thing that you have. Unless it pertains to their stated objectives, it will be thrown out at once. (example: If it is a bus depot in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and they said “Transportaion” is the theme, look on a map, find out where Grand Rapids is, then see that it houses City Buses and Overland Buses, and that your idea of beaches and palm trees won’t make the cut.)"

2. "Always follow their “rules” to the absolute last detail. If they tell you what and how they want your materials to be, present them that way, No Exceptions! ( I.E. If they say, do not staple anything together, Do Not Staple, period. It will get thrown out before they even look at it.)"

3. “If you get to make a presentation, expect to spend nearly a month preparing a good one. That is on you, the artist. Make drawings or macquets, have a cost sheet, and make sure you can do it in their time table. Then make the best, most thorough presentation you can and follow their rules.” Photo credit: Small Detail from Daleene Menning’s “Formation” (40’ X 5.5’).