Commissioning a Public Artwork

The success of a commissioned public art sculpture starts well before the creation of the work begins.

Each public art commission is unique, and must meet the unique needs of the artist, client, agent, funding body, eventual owner, or anyone else involved. As such a detailed set of guidance is required.

At Stanson Art we apply the best practice guidance form Public Art Online Resources, which is based upon a paper commissioned by Public Art South West from Henry Lydiate, a barrister who has specialised in the law relating to the visual arts since he founded Artlaw Services in 1978, and in response to the many requests received for guidance in relation to public art commissions and the legal and practical issues involved in their successful execution and management.

Phase 1 Origination

In this stage the commissioner and Stanson work together to create a clear idea and scope for the artwork, which involves a lot of discussion and the creation of original design sketches, technical drawings, model or maquette. This is an exciting creative phase.

Click here for detailed guidance See section on Phase 1 Origination and Fee.

Phase 2 Fabrication

In this phase, we will have an agreed design/model/maquette which will need to be fabricated; in which case, we will need to discuss and agree :

completion date
fabrication fee and associated costs (Stanson will provide a detailed fabrication proposal including a schedule of costs and terms).
On receipt of a purchase order from the commissioner Stanson will invoice the commissioner for origination fee and 40% stage payment of fabrication fee to purchase materials and start the fabrication.
On completion of the fabrication Stanson will invoice for the remaining 60% of the fabrication fee.

Click here for detailed guidance

See section on Phase 2 Fabrication, Fees and Costs.

Phase 3 Installation

It's time of the installation and celebrated unveiling. At this stage the detailed planning in the origination phase comes into play with the sculpture arriving at a prepared site for a safe and successful installation.

After installation and handover of the sculpture to the commissioners Stanson will invoice for the agreed installation fee.

Click here for detailed guidance

See section on Phase 3 Installation Fees and Costs.

Phase 4 Maintenance

Historical documentation records that, as far back as the Renaissance, patrons /commissioners required the artist to guarantee a minimum period of years that the work would be expected to last in decent condition. Maintenance and final ownership issues that were agreed at the origination phase now come into play.

Click here for detailed guidance

See sections on Phase 4 Maintenance, Fees and Costs, and Phase 5 Ownership, Copyright and Moral Rights.

Let's start the commissioning conversation

If you have a great idea for a public art sculpture, get in touch and let's make art happen.