ArtBistro

News >> Browse Articles >> Fine Art

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”

Your Proposal

When you get a notice about a call for proposals you will usually be directed to a website that has all the architectural plans for the building with suggested sites for artwork. Read all of this information carefully so that you do not misinterpret the plans and so that you follow the guidelines.

Along with the proposal application, artists are usually asked to submit a statement with image of their work or plans for the proposed work. The statement needs to be enthusiastic well written, and clear. If your work is site-specific, you should talk about how the work relates to the space, site and/or use of the structure. Most of the time a budget is also asked for. At this point in the process, your budget needs to be as detailed as possible, but it also can be broad in scope. When artists get a public work commission, they typically receive 20% of the total cost of the project as an artist’s fee. If you are selected as a finalist, a final and more precise budget will be expected.

The work samples that you submit should be well photographed images of your work. Include other commissioned or freelance public work if you have done any before.

Jury Process

Public art proposals are usually selected by a committee. People on the committee are typically from the organization that the building is for, the architect, the contractor, and perhaps a representative of a local arts organization. These committee members will judge your work on its creativity, feasibility, and if they think it will fit with the building that they have planned. Photo credit: Daleene Menning’s “The Ride” (50’ X 4’) mural for Grand Rapids, MI. Central Station

Continue reading on next page.