Developing Public Art Programs
Public Ar't Prac'tices
A Reference Guide for Developing
Public Art Programs and Projects
Traditionally, public art has been exactly that--art in public places. A heroic soldier in the park,
a bronze eagle in the bank, or a decorative relief on the façade of city hall. While traditional
works like these represent the foundation of public art, contemporary public art has grown to
encompass a wide range of innovative concepts, projects and programs.
Historically, one might use the Statue of Liberty is a good example of "new" art born from
traditional ideals. A gift to the United States in 1885, it took over 20 years for F. A. BartllOldi to
develop, design and create the world famous statue. Although his heroic image of liberty was
based on .figurative sculptures of the past, its representation offreedom as a woman was unusual
in the United States and became cause for debate. People were afraid she'd look tired or old and
be less than heroic. Rumors, misperceptions and concerns over its "contemporary" nature
created intense controversy in the 1880s and the sculpture was nearly rejected. Now, almost 120
years later, it is one of the most recognizable examples of public art in the world.
Today, public art includes "traditional" monuments and decorations along with a broad
spectrum of unique projects and programs. In many cases, artists are included early in the design
process or as part of the design team, and community leaders work to include and educate the
public throughout the development of projects. With these and other new strategies, more often
than not, public art becomes a source ~f pride and enjoyment for visitors and residents of the
cities and communities it inhabits. At the start of the new millennium we've learned that a
comprehensive public process is ~ften the key to successful public art projects.
Some works, like the Statue of Liberty, have world-wide impact while others may identify a city
or simply brighten a neighborhood. There are many examples of successfid permanent and
temporary public art projects throughout the nation: The "Chicago Picasso" in Chicago's Civic
Center Plaza; unique benches and bus shelters adorning parks and sidewalks across the country;
photographs, films and television programs projected on the side of buildings by artists for
viewers gathered in the street; artists, architects and designers collaborating to transform land
fills into scenic parks; street musicians and performers entertaining lunch time crowds; a garden
designed by an artist and a scientist that will help remove toxins from soil; busses painted by
local citizens to celebrate and add vibrancy to city life; a quilt with sections made by people from
around the world that travels the country to raise awareness about AIDs; The "Gateway Arch"
on the shore of the Mississippi River...
St. Louis Regional Arts Commission
3540 Washington Ave., St. Louis, MO 314-652-5511
This publication is available for downloading at: www.art-stl.com
A
RegionalArtl
CommioFrion
St. LoW.
Statue of Liberty
"Back in America, fund raising for the pedestal was going particularly slowly, so Joseph Pulitzer opened
up the editorial pages of his newspaper, "The World" to support the fund raising effort. Pulitzer used his
newspaper to criticize both the rich who had failed to finance the pedestal construction and the middle
class who were content to rely upon the wealthy to provide the funds. Pulitzer's campaign of harsh
criticism was successfiù in motivating the people of America to donate."
-The National Park Service, Statue of Liberty and Ellis rsland
Gateway Arch - Jefferson National Expansion Memorial
CONTENTS
PUBLIC ART PROGRAMS
PERCENT-FOR-ART PROGRAMS..................................................................................l
-Mandated Percent-for-Art Programs
-Voluntary Percent-for-Art Programs
- Partnerships and Collaborative Public Art Strategies
ARTS IN TRANSIT/CIVIC DESIGN PROGRAMS..........................................................2
-Artist/Architect/Engineer Design Teams
PUBLIC ART LOAN PROGRAMS...................................................................................2
-Long Term Loans
-Short Term Loans
-General responsibilities of each party and estimated costs for loans
-Collections
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS, PARTNERSHIPS, COLLABORATIONS........................3
-Education CollaborationslPartnerships
-Community Projects
THE SELECTION PROCESS
PUBLIC ART COMPETITIONS.......................................................................................4
-Request for Proposal (RFP)
-Invitational
PROJECTS
CONTEMPORARY PUBLIC ART PROJECTS IN THE UNITED STATES..................4
-3-D Chicago / Pier Walk
-Denver International Airport / Terry Allen
-Buster Simpson, Host Analog
-Agnes Denes, Wheatfield - A Confrontation
-Maya Un, The National Vietnam Veterans Memorial
-The AIDS Memorial Quilt
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS...............................................................................6
ELEVEN STEP PUBLIC ART PLANNING MANUAL ....................................................8
RESOURCES.....................................................................................................................12
ARTICLE: "Legal Issues Surrounding Public Art Contracts"........................................13
PUBLIC ART PROGRAMS
PERCENT-FOR-ART PROGRAMS
Percent-for-art programs encourage or mandate that a percentage of the construction budget for public
buildings and sites be used for public art. There are over 225 cïtylcounty and state percent-1or-art
programs in the US. Historically, projects developed through this process have included sculpture,
fountains, photographs, paintings, murals, bas-relief, floor designs (terrazzo, tile, etc.), specialized lighting,
and text (poetry, quotes, etc.). More recently, projects have included landscape design, sound, video, and
interactive computer and video kiosks. Many projects are integrated with structural or design aspects of a
building or site, and might include handrails, window designs, light fIxtures, landscape designs, railings,
columns, etc. They might also be incorporated in daily operations-musical sounds added to
announcements in recorded airport instructions, unique benches, or creative signs that help guide visitors.
Mandated Percent-for-Art Programs - The typical percent-for-art ordinance stipulates that a
percentage (typically I to 3 %) of the cost of constructing or renovating a public building or site (or a
capital improvement project) shall be set aside for artwork. This allows one or several artists to create
artwork in the building and/or on the site. In many cases, artists work as part of a design team with
architects and engineers. This minimizes costs by integrating the design work with the construction
process. (In many cases, an artist designed railing, light fIxture, or floor design is no more expensive to
fabricate than "stock" products.) Historically, public art projects that include community participation and
support are the most successful. In most cases, these programs are administrated through city
government with a selection committee and a thorough selection process. Education programs often
evolve ftom these projects which increase community awareness, participation, and support.
General Cost Range per project: $5,000 - $1,000,000
Voluntary Percent-for-Art Programs - These programs are privately sponsored by corporations,
owners and/or architects with the recognition that art and design projects greatly enhance the environment
of buildings and grounds. Enhancement of space and artwork increases attractiveness; thereby attracting
tenants, increasing employee morale, and encouraging a greater sense of community. It also increases
corporate visibility, and improves owner image. rn some cases, there is an investment factor --works of
established artists will appreciate over time.
For many voluntary art programs and projects, a private art advisor/consultant is contracted to
coordinate the process including: project/program design, budget, selection of the artist/s, artist contracts,
insurance, documentation, committee and community involvement, public relations, and installation of art
work. General Cost Range per project: $1,000 - $250,000
Partnerships and Collaborative Public Art Strategies - The programs listed above represent the
fundamental processes behind public art programming. To enhance these programs, many public art
projects benefIt ftom partnerships, collaborations and/or collaborative funding strategies. For instance, a
transit program or mandated percent-for-art program might seek a grant ftom a local arts commission or
private foundation to pay for the cost of printing a request for art work; public or private land might be
donated as a site for public art; private donations might be collected to fund the maintenance/preservation
of artwork; in-kind donations of equipment rental ftom private construction companies might be used for
the installation of art work...
I
ARTS IN TRANSIT/CIVIC DESIGN PROGRAMS
These are programs developed specifically for transportation projects. Generally, they are funded through
percent for art ordinances and/or individual project grants. Public art in this category includes a range of
projects trom bench designs and mural projects to bridge and railway station designs. Artists may be asked
to create a specific work-benches, wall tiles, murals, railings, window designs, objects at rail stations,
etc.-{)r work as part of a design team with architects and engineers to integrate artwork into the
facility---;::olwnns, lighting, structural components, brick designs, sidewalk designs, etc. This adds a new
perspective to the design process and allows for a wider range of design solutions.
General Cost Range: $5000 - $500,000
Artist/Architect/Engineer Design Teams
Collaborative design teams are often part of a percent-for-art, transit program or private projects. Artists
work with architects, designers and engineers throughout a project to develop aesthetic and creative
design solutions. Though this process, the team affects the aesthetics and design differently than an
individual architect might. Locally, these team/collaboration projects have been successful in the
development of the St. Louis area Metrolink stations.
General Cost Range: $5000 - $500,000
PUBLIC ART LOAN PROGRAMS
Art loan programs give the borrower (such as building owners, business associations, neighborhood
associations, cities, etc.) the opportunity to temporarily display work on an on-going basis. In community
settings this is an opportunity to educate people about public art and how it can enhance their surroundings,
foster dialogue and encourage a greater sense of community. It is also an opportunity for local and
regional artists to show their work. Chicago's Pier Walk exemplifies this. In 1995, three sculptures were
displayed on Chicago's famous pier, on loan rrom individual artists. Because of its popularity, just three
years later, during the annual event, 175 sculptures were displayed for six months and seen by over a
million peopte.
Long-Term Loans include a loan agreement with artists, art musewns, private collectors, galleries or art
organizations to borrow works of art (generally sculpture) for a period of a year to an indefinite amount of
time.
Short-Term Loans include a loan agreement with art museums, art organizations, galleries or individual
artists to place art in a variety of places for periods from I month to a year or more. This offers an
opportunity to showcase local artists, and can be combined with festivals and events to gain more attention
and add a unique sense of fun and collaboration to a site.
General responsibilities of each party and estimated costs for loans:
A loan agreement will be required by the lender which will specifY the period of the loan,
maintenance/vandalism responsibilities, insurance requirements, round-trip shipping, and any other
specifications and responsibilities required by either party. Below is a list of common responsibilities for
the lender and borrower. A variety of circumstances can arise for borrowing and loaning art, other
agreements can be negotiated between parties.
Lender Responsibilities:
· Shipping?
· Work should be shipped in the best condition
· Provide current maintenance records
· Specifications for maintenance/conservation
· To voice concerns to the borrower
2
Borrower Responsibilities:
· Shipping, shipping insurance (Generally not the reslxmsibility of the lender.)
· Site preparation
· Concrete pad as base (for sculpture)
· Equipment for moving and installing work
./ Crane
./ Truck/trailer
./ Labor
· Maintenance and or Conservation during the loan period
./ Insurance
./ Special considerations
./ Sod replacement/sidewalk repairs
./ Special fabrication for mountingiHardware
Cost Range: Costs Val)' according to the size of the work, its location, and the complexity of installation.
A large metal sculpture (horse and rider scale), shipped trom a location 200 miles away and installed on a
concrete pad, might cost between $500-$5,000 for shipping and $500-$5,000 for installation.
Personal Art Collections - Sometimes art collectors seek unique venues to display work trom their
collection or, upon their death, will their collection to interested parties. In these situations, a long or short-
tenn loan can be arranged or the work can be accessioned by a town or city agency.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS. PARTNERSHIPS. COLLABORATIONS
Community and education programs are gaining attention for their impact and long-tenn educational value.
Partnerships between individual citizens, arts organizations, communities, schools, and businesses are
producing innovative solutions to many social challenges.
Education CollaborationslPartnerships - Arts organizations, museums, schools, and/or artists can be
selected to develop independent or collaborative education programs which include public art projects.
These projects are generally scheduled to occur during the academic year and include a public celebration
after the installation of the work. With the involvement of students and residents, these projects are
generally well received by the community and sometimes become annual events. Examples include school
murals, community gardens, sidewalk designs, painted dumpsters, etc. Grants, private donations, schools,
and collaborative organizations support these programs. Basic costs include payment for the artist/s,
materials, equipment, printing (announcements or flyers), and food & drink for a reception. Many public
artists seek opportunities to work with students, community groups, and neighborhoods to develop projects.
Several of the famous Los Angeles murals were created collaboratively by the artist Judy Baca along with
young people trom surrounding neighborhoods.
Cost Range: $500 - $250,000
Community Projects
Communities interested in neighborllood improvement can sponsor community-based public art programs.
Working with local artists, architects and landscape designers, they can develop enhancement projects or
include programs for new construction. They can also develop partnership programs working with local
businesses, churches, organizations, schools and/or area youth to promote temporal)' and pennanent
enhancement projects.
3
THE SELECTION PROCESS
PUBLIC ART COMPETITIONS (see page 8 for a public art project planning outline)
Once a decision is made to add artwork to a building or site, consideration of the appropriate media
(sculpture, landscape design, painting, etc.) should be developed along with criteria (environmental,
structural, aesthetic, etc.) for the work. This might be very specific or left open for the artist to develop
ideas. Once this phase is completed, the process for selecting an artist begins. There are two primary
ways to select artists:
Request for Proposal (RFP) or Request for Qualifications (RFQ) - When a new project has been
defined and the criteria set, requests for proposals are sent to artists regionally, nationally or globally or
some combination of the three. These requests specifY the infonnation and fonnat the artist must follow
to submit his or her proposal. Generally, background infonnation (reswne, slides of earlier work,
newspaper articles, etc.) is requested along with sketches and a written description of the project.
Cost Range for selecting artists: $500 - $50,000
In addition to artist's fees, material costs, construction and installation costs, and housing when applicable,
there are also expenses related to the selection process. Selection committee members are sometimes
paid an honorariwn for their time. If artists are selected nationally there may be airfare and hotel costs,
and finalists (3 to 5) receive an honorariwn for final proposals - generally $500 to $2000.
Invitational- The RFP process (above) is time consuming. In some cases, rather than reviewing a large
nwnber of proposals, a smaller nwnber of artists can be invited to submit proposals. These artists can be
located through a variety of means including review of current public works, contacting local arts
organizations, speaking with local arts professionals and/or contacting national organizations. Although this
is the same basic selection process as the RFP, it reduces the office work and time needed to interview a
large number of artists.
Cost Range for selecting artists: $1,000 - $ 75,000
Invitational projects often include artists with established careers, which usually means they come at a
higher expense. Cost also reflects miscellaneous expenses like daily stipends for visiting finalists. hotel
costs, airfare, etc.
PROJECTS
CONTEMPORARY PUBLIC ART PROJECTS
Public art has evolved trom its decorative and monwnental roots to include contemporary projects ranging
trom gumball machines that dispense works of children's art to scientific land reclamation projects and
transit design. Some unique public art projects include:
. 3-D Chicago-The Pier Walk series has become an annual event of an "open air" display of sculpture
on and around Navy Pier in Chicago. In 1998, 175 sculptors trom around the US exhibited their work.
Sears, Roebuck and Co. sponsors the project, which draws thousands of visitors each year.
http://www.pierwalk.com/
. Denver International Airport Project - a percent-for-art program was established specifically for
the construction of the new Denver International Airport. With a budget of over $7.5 million, 40
artists and 80 committee members were involved in the development, selection and installation of
artworks throughout the airport, in transit tunnels, and outside the airport.
Terry AlIen, artist - His Notre Denver project includes hwnorous gargoyles sitting in suitcases
mounted on the walls in the new Denver Intemational Airport.
http://www.zreenmuseum.orf!/artist index.php?artist id=21
4
· Portland Convention Center / Buster Simpson, artist - In Host Analoe:, commissioned for the
Portland, Oregon, Convention Center, Simpson is in the process of creating a forest of trees fTom an
eighty foot long Douglas fir "nurse" log that was cut some thirty years ago and then not used as
lwnber. The rotting log provides an excellent growth mediwn for sprouting seedlings. Simpson has
planted seeds of Western red cedar, Douglas fir, and hernlock directly on the log.
httv://www.llreenmuseum.orll/artist index.vhv?artist id~21; httv://www.bustersimvson.net/
· Battery Park LandnIl, New York City / Agnes Denes, artist - In a work called Wheatfield - A
Con&ontation. Denes planted and harvested 1.8 acres of wheat on a landfill near the World Trade
Center in New York City. The Wheatfield project was a stark visual contradiction: a beautiful golden
field of wheat set among the cool steel skyscrapers of downtown Manhattan. The harvest yielded
1000 pounds of grain, which was fed to police horses. httv://www.batteryvarkcitv.orll/vublic.htm
· Washington DC / Maya Lin, architect - Vietnam War Memorial At the age of 20 and still a
student at Yale University, Lin won a national design competition for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Under a complicated and politically messy process, the famously simple but moving piece was erected
and has become one of the most visited National Monwnents in Washington DC.
httv;/ /www.vietvet.orll/thewall.htm
· The AIDS Memorial Quilt - The largest on-going international community arts project in the world.
Each of the over 41,000 colorful panels in the Quilt was made to remember the life of a person lost to
AIDS. The quilt continues to grow and is supported by a web page with infonnation about aids and
aids research. < httv://www.aidsQuilt.orlll>
5
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why public art?
Placing art in public places is as old as hwnankind From cave paintings and pyramids to monwnents and
architectural design, art has always been a part of the public realm. In contemporary society, public art,
and the community participation which often accompanies it, contributes to the identity of a city. In
the same way that people work to decorate their homes, public art offers visual appeal, pride, a sense of
celebration, fun, and often represents the health and wealth of the city it inhabits.
Where does the money come from for a percent for art project?
Recent public art ordinances allocate a percent (1 to 3%) of the budgets of eligible capital construction
projects for public art. (In most cases this includes any publicly funded project over I million dollars.) The
money is placed in a separate, interest-bearing public art and design trust fund. (The trust fund is also
authorized to accept gifts, donations and grants or funds for public art and design purposes.) Interest
accrues to the benefit of the public art and design program. This money is then allocated for
administration, programming, fabrication, installation and maintenance/preservation of art work.
Who should administrate public art programs?
There are several models for public art administration. At the city/county level, public art commissions or
cultural affairs councils--with the support of additional staff members--are created separately or within an
existing government agency (Mayor's Office, Board of Public Service, for example) to oversee projects.
In many cases, existing arts councils and commissions asswne the responsibility by adding one or two staff
people. In addition to budgeting and general office administration, the responsibilities of these commissions
generally cover the following:
· Act as a team leader for city project managers, architects, professional design teams, community
representatives and artists
· Assist in detennining an appropriate artistic medium, as well as sile opportunities and limitations
· Contract negotiations, budgeting, payment schedules and insurance requirements
· Define the artist selection process eligibility and criteria
· Support an artist mailing list and slide registry
· Prepare bids and place announcements in appropriate publications; inform artists of opportunities
· Develop selection process guidelines to ensure equal access for artists of all backgrounds
· IdentifY qualified volunteers to serve on selection/advisory panels and oversee the panels
· Develop maintenance guidelines and act in accordance with professional conservators to maintain
collected work
Examples: City of Columbia, Office of Cultural Affairs in Colwnbia, MO; Mayor's Commission on Art,
Culture and Film in Denver; Kansas City Municipal Art Commission, Kansas City, MO, Seattle Arts
Commission; The Cultural Arts Council of Houston/Harris County; The San Francisco Art Commission;
The Pheonix Arts Commission; Broward County Cultural Affairs Division, Broward county, FL; City of
Atlanta, Bureau of Cultural Affairs; Office of Arts and Culture, City of Philadelphia, Scottsdale Cultural
Council, AZ; Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission, VA; Las Vegas Arts Commission, NV;
etc., and many state arts councils.
How is an artwork selected?
The public art program administrator keeps a list of potential committee members (if additional time is
required, selection committee members are sometimes given an honorarium) who are asked to volunteer
on selection committees. Committee members might include an artist, elected city official, school
administrator, teacher, local newspaper staff, a leader ftom the religious community, business leader, bank
official, students, community members, and an official ftom an anchor business in the community. The
selection committee surveys the sitels and reviews the artist's proposals. Once finalists (3-5) are selected,
6
they are asked to create models of their proposal and make a formal presentation to the committee. The
committee is responsible to evaluate the work for its esthetic quality, construction quality, appropriateness
to the site, and engineeringilogistica1 criteria. After an artist is selected they are required to adhere to the
criteria established for the project.
Can a proposal/public art work be rejected?
Yes. After the proposal has gone through the selection process there shouldn't be a need to reject the
work. If however a problem arises, the artist is given the opportunity to modify the work or withdraw
from the project. After installation, a work can be deaccessioned (removed from the collection) by the
public arts commission after going through a deaccessioning process established by the public art
commission.
What is the economic impact of public art?
Of funds allocated to a project, a percentage goes to:
· Artist's feels, travel, per diem and hotel
· Insurance (if applicable)
· Suppliers, engineers (if applicable) construction and installation (materials, labor, contractor's fees,
equipment rental, etc.)
· Maintenance
· (In many cases a percentage also goes to neighborhood and community projects)
According to Washington State % for Art Research, for each Percent for Art project money expended:
· 6-6.6% is returned in sales tax
· 42-43% goes to direct purchase of materials
· 9-10% is spent on overhead (studio, utilities, etc.)
· 30-37% goes to pay salaries and wages of artists and subcontractors for fabrication/installation work
How much does the artist make?
Some people fear that the artist gets all the money budgeted and can do whatever they want with it. This
isn't true. A professional artist is required to act much like an architect-develop a proposal, fulfill
engineering criteria and specifications, and work with other artists and contractors to create and install the
work. The artist receives a fee for their work as does the architect, suppliers and contractors.
What's an RFP or RFQ?
RFP is an acronym for Request for Proposal. RFQ is an acronym for Request for Qualifications -
seeking information from artists for several projects or future projects when a specific proposal is not
necessary. (See page 6, The Selection Process)
7
Call for Artists Resource Guide
8
from the University objected to this ruling because it affected their children. At this time, an
anonymous donor gave money to construct a pool at the Community Center.
The first paid director of the Negro Community Center, Lucille Caldwell, was hired in February
1951. Ms. Caldwell served for 12 years and was the first Negro professional recreation
administrator in North Carolina.
Since 1959 many additions and improvements of the facility have been made. The Hargraves
Community Center is comprised of a main building which houses the administrative offices,
meeting rooms, and a day care center. Three tennis courts, a gymnasium, an outdoor basketball
court, playing fields, pool, and pool house are within close walking distance to the main building.
In January 2002, the Town authorized a more than $1,000,000 renovation project for the Center.
Additional Information
If you have any questions or need any additional information, please call Karen Slotta at 919.968.2888
ex!. 377 or e-mail kslotta@townofchaoelhill.org.
Public Art Network
www.AmerlcansForTheArts.org
Call for Artists Resource Guide
9
Sample Request for Proposals (RFP)
Scottsdale Public Art Program
Public Art for the City of Scottsdale Adult/Senior Center
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Deadline February 14,2003
I. Eligibility
Open to professional artists (or teams of related disciplines) residing in the USA
II. Budget
$82,000 all-inclusive
III. Art Opportunity
Overview
The Scottsdale Public Art Program seeks an artistiartist team to develop and facilitate community
workshops that engage the community and result in the permanent installation of public art for
the planned AdultiSenior Center for the City of Scottsdale, Arizona. The workshops should be
complete by October 30, 2003. The permanent art should be ready for installation October 1,
2004. Schedule is contingent upon the City's project schedule and may be changed at any time.
The goal is for the workshops to create a meaningful process that engages Center patrons (and/or
community members) either through hands-on involvement in the making of the permanent art or
contribution to the ideas that shaped it. Artists have the option to develop workshops that provide
one or both of the following options:
1. That involve Center patrons (and/or potentially community members) in informing the
creative process, theme, and content
2. That allow the public to participate with the artist in some way, such as creating actual
aspects of the permanent art.
The art, to be installed permanently in the Center, should include two-dimensional art and/or
include an audio component (oral history, sound art, storytelling, or other related genre) in a
recorded format, also permanently installed. The visual and aural aspects of the workshops and
permanent art should be developed and designed in concert with one another.
Art "Theme"
The theme for the art has not been pre-selected. The artists' proposal will include a "theme" that
will be illuminated or articulated through the workshops and subsequent art. The goal of the
public art project is to contribute meaningful content to patrons' personal connections and
experience with the facility, which for many is their "second home." Potential directions for
theme include, but are not limited to: vitality, aging, heritage, cultural expression, history, life
Publit Art Network
www.AmericansForTheArts.org
Call for Artists Resource Guide
10
stories, cross-generational communication, humor, food, dance, gardening, handiwork, and other
areas of interest to adult/senior populations.
Installation
The City's Architect/Engineer will make design provisions for the public art installation including
structural, electrical, architectural details, and specifications. This is not a design team
commission. Coordination and meetings with the project design team will be limited. Preliminary
designs for the permanent art must be approved by the Publ ic Art and Collections Committee.
The artist will be required to make two presentations about the preliminary designs/plans.
The artist will be asked to submit anticipated installation needs and siting requirements for the
permanent art prior to commencing workshops. The project architect and engineers will interpret
the artist's specifications for art installation in their design process from Spring-Fall 2003.
Depending on the installation needs, there may be some coordination during this time with the
public art project manager, architect, and/or engineer.
Scope
As of the writing of this document, project scope and budget are being refined. The Scottsdale
Public Art Program reserves the right to cancel or amend any or all of the scopes or budgets
referenced in this document.
I V. Background
Design for the Adult/Senior Center is to commence Spring 2003. Completion of construction is
scheduled tentatively for early 2005.
The Adult/Senior Center will be located at the northwest corner of McDowell Road and Granite
Reef Road. The new Adult/Senior Center will serve as a community, recreational and Human
Service facility for the City of Scottsdale (current annual citizen contacts exceeds 250,000) and
will include services such as recreation, social services, health/wellness services, and socialization
opportunities. It will also concentrate primarily in serving the needs of active adults and seniors in
the southern and midsection area of the City of Scottsdale. Patrons will range in age anywhere
above 40 years old. The new facility will serve the dual ends of the age spectrum: the
cerebral/aerobic and the frail/sedentary. The facility may also house offices for brokered agencies,
a pol ice substation, and space for support groups.
For many of its loyal patrons, the Adult/Senior Center will become their "second home." Vital
services---<)verything to promote physicai, mental, emotional. and social health--will be found at
the new center: foreign language, art, and computer classes; aerobics classes; assessment and
counseling services; leisure specialty classes such as "note card making" and "writing your life
story" classes: social events such as coffee and bagel hour and billiards tournament; lunch and
home delivered meals; health fairs; and flu shots.
This project may replace the services currently provided at the Civic Center Adult/Senior Center.
Currently the City of Scottsdale offers Adult/Senior Services programs at the Civic Center
Adult/Senior Center located at 7375 East 2" Street, and the Via Linda Senior Center located at
10440 East Via Linda. For more information about Scottsdale's existing senior centers visit the
City of Scottsdale's website at www.ScottsdaleAZ.Gov/seniors.
Public Art Network
www.AmericansForTheArts.org
Call for Artists Resource Guide
11
V, Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale is the major resort center of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Although not all of the
local m¡¡jor resorts are located in the city, Scottsdale contains the core of specialty shopping, art
galleries, recreational facilities, and many of the cultural and sporting events that attract and
sustain the local tourism industry, Because of the lack of services in most areas adjacent to the
city, Scottsdale's retai I centers, parks, employment centers, and I ibraries are heavi Iy used by
residents outside of the city. The high quality of the visual environment in the city is an important
component of maintaining the tourism industry and civic framework,
In his 2000 study entitled Scottsdale City Image (a report to the City of Scottsdaie's Urban Design
Studio). Todd Bressi reports "Scottsdale is a city whose visual character is especially important to
its residents, and where the sense of landscape and openness in the city are valued." He suggests
four specific values that would contribute to a strengthened identity of Scottsdale's civic
framework and primary spaces of public experience: recognize the importance of the pedestrian
scale of Scottsdale's civic framework; celebrate the places that make Scottsdale great; strengthen
the design of the arterial grid; and reconnect with the Sonoran landscape, The efforts of the
Scottsdale Public Art Program represent movement toward addressing the values suggested by
Bressi's report.
VI. Scottsdale Public Art Program
In 1985, the Scottsdale Public Art Program was created with the goal to enhance the quality of
life afforded area residents and visitors. Since that time, more than 30 permanent public art
installations have been completed throughout the community. Public art has taken many forms in
Scottsdale, ranging from such traditional scuipture in the public square as Ed Mell's Jack Knife to
a transit center designed by artist Vito Acconci, architect Doug Sydnor, and landscape architect
Angela Dye. The program's collection also features public buildings, streetscapes, noise
abatement walls, and public art masterplans by regionally and nationally acclaimed artists,
including Kevin Berry, Carolyn Braaskma, James Carpenter, Mags Harries, Larry Kirkland, Laurie
Lundquist, Jack Mackie, and James Turrell.
The Scottsdale Public Art Program seeks to instigate a renewed commitment to the public domain
by way of such projects that may invigorate social, cultural, historical, or environmental issues.
Projects may possess a direct social relevance that is community referentiai or they may push the
"placemaking" envelope and involve the viewer in the complexities of urban experience. Public art
in Scottsdale is meant to transfuse a spirited perspective of traditional or new iconographies and
reinvigorate the vitality of public life. For more information, visit WWW,scottsdalearts.org/Dublicart.
VII. Selection Process
A selection panel will evaluate artist's submissions and either select an artist based on preliminary
submission materials, interview short-listed applicants, or seek more detailed proposals. Selection
criteria include: the applicant's professional qualifications: proven ability to undertake projects of a
similar scope; artistic merit as evidenced by the submitted materials; and demonstrated ability to
work with government agencies, engineers, and/or focus groups in the creation of an art project.
Based on proposal and review of slides/support materials, the artist will be recommended by a
selection panel and approved by the Public Art and Collections Committee (PACC). PACC
approves art concepts, project scope, and budget, thereby aliowing the artist creative license
Public Art Network
www.AmericansForTheArts-org
Call for Artists Resource Guide
12
within the estabiished project plan. Contract and project plan are to be negotiated with the
Associate Curator of Public Art. PACC reserves the right to r~ect any and all applications.
VIII. Timeline
The schedule is contingent upon the City's project schedule and may be changed at any time.
February 14, 2003
February 28, 2003
March 3, 2003
March 12, 2003
March 20, 2003
March 30, 2003
October 30, 2003
January 2005
IX. Application Delivery
Deadline for response to RFP (by 5:00 p.m.)
Short-listed artists notified by this date
During this week, interviews with short-listed artists
Selected artist notified by this date
Anticipated execution of contract by this date
By this date, submit anticipated installation needs and siting
requirements for the permanent art. Project architect and engineers
will integrate the art installation specifications into their design during
Spring-Fall 2003. Depending on the installation needs, there may be
some coordination during this time with the public art project manager,
architect, and/or engineer.
Tentative date for completion of workshops
Anticipated completion of building construction and installation of art.
Depending on the nature of the installation needs, there may be some
coordination during this time with public art project manager, the
architect, and/or contractor
Qualifications due by 5:00 p.rn., MST, February 14, 2003 at:
Scottsdale Public Art Program Request for Proposal
7380 East Second Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
The application should be packaged in such a manner that the sealed envelope cleariy reflects the
project name(s) and the Applicant's name and address. All materials submitted become the
property of the Scottsdale Public Art Program and will not be returned unless a self-addressed and
stamped envelope, with sufficient postage, is provided. The Scottsdale Public Art Program will
make every effort to protect submitted materials; however, it will not be responsible for any loss or
damage.
X. Application Presentation
Please do not staple any materials together.
All pages of your application should clearly indicate your name, date, and prQiect submitting for.
Present your materials in the following order.
Public Art Network
www.AmericansForTheArts.org
Call for Artists Resource Guide
13
XI. Application Content
11.1 Annotated 51 ide I i5t (typed, 2 page maximum): The slide list must be provided with
the Artist's name, title or location of work, medium, date of work, dimensions, the corresponding
slide number, and short description of slides. Indicate budget where applicable.
11.2 Professional resume (2 pages maximum for each team member): Teams must submit
a resume for each member.
11.3 Proposal (typed, 4 page maximum)
Theme & Workshops: Describe your overall "theme" and style of art to be produced.
Explain your proposed schedule, process, medium, and method by which you will involve
adult and senior users (and/or other community members) in concept development and/or
design development. Explain your experience in developing and facilitating workshops.
Fabrication & Installation: Describe the anticipated fabrication and installation needs
for the permanent art. Be sure to include information that will help facilitate the artistic
integrity of your work:
a. How much space will the art need?
b. Describe how you envision the installation: Will it need wall space, floor space, hang
from the ceiling, protrude from the wall?
C. Describe the electrical requirements. (Describe to the extent that you are
knowledgeable. The artist will not be required to determine exact specifications, but
must be clear on the desired effect. The exact specifications will be refined at a later
date by the architect.)
d. Describe special equipment or other needs.
11.4 Preliminary Budget (typed, one page maximum): Include a cost estimate for all facets,
including but not limited to artist fees, insurance, travel expenses, workshop costs,
materials costs, and anticipated fabrication and installation costs. Artist is not responsible
for actual installation, but installation needs should be noted in your proposal and
reflected in your preliminary budget.
11.5 Optional I lIustrations (2 page maximum, 8 Yz x 11" maximum size): Additional visual
support material and/or illustrations to show your proposal.
11.6 Three References: Inciude client name, contact name, and phone number.
11.7 Visual Support Materials: Pages or slides must be annotated, including title or location
of work, medium, date of work, dimensions, the corresponding slide number, and short
description of slides. Indicate budget where appiicable.
Photooraohic slides: Up to 20 slides (35mm) of recent work. Slides must be in a clear
plastic sl ide sheet; each slide must be labeled with the artist's name, the top clearly
marked with an arrow, and a number to correspond to an annotated slide list.
OR
Comouter Presentation (ootiona): Up to 20 html pages or PowerPoint slides.
Public Art Network
www.AmericansForTheArts.org
Call for Artists Resource Guide
14
11.8 Optional Reievant Experience and Qualifications Support I nformation: May use
selected printed materials such as articles, catalog ues, etc, (one copy),
11.9 Self Addressed Stamped Evelope (S.A.S,E): To have your application materials
returned foilowing the competition, include a self-addressed stamped envelope, with
accurate postage.
XII. Inquiries
Ail questions regarding this Request for Proposals are to be directed to Margaret Bruning, Associate
Curator of Public Art, Scottsdale Public Art Program, 480.874.4634.
Public Art Network
www.AmericansForTheArts.org
Borrower Responsibilities:
· Shipping, shipping insurance (Generally not the responsibility of the lender.)
· Site preparation
· Concrete pad as base (for sculpture)
· Equipment for moving and installing work
./ Crane
./ Truck/trailer
./ Labor
· Maintenance and or Conservation during the loan period
./ Insurance
./ Special considerations
./ Sod replacement/sidewalk repairs
./ Special fabrication for mountinglHardware
Cost Range: Costs vary according to the size of the work, its location, and the complexity of installation.
A large metal sculpture (horse and rider scale), shipped trom a location 200 miles away and installed on a
concrete pad, might cost between $500-$5,000 for shipping and $500-$5,000 for installation.
Personal Art Collections - Sometimes art collectors seek unique venues to display work trom their
collection or, upon their death, will their collection to interested parties. In these situations, a long or short-
tenn loan can be arranged or the work can be accessioned by a town or city agency.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS. PARTNERSHIPS. COLLABORATIONS
Community and education programs are gaining attention for their impact and long-tenn educational value.
Partnerships between individual citizens, arts organizations, communities, schools, and businesses are
producing innovative solutions to many social challenges.
Education CoUaborationslPartnerships - Arts organizations, museums, schools, and/or artists can be
selected to develop independent or collaborative education programs which include public art projects.
These projects are generally scheduled to occur during the academic year and include a public celebration
after the installation of the work. With the involvement of students and residents, these projects are
generally well received by the community and sometimes become annual events. Examples include school
murals, community gardens, sidewalk designs, painted dumpsters, etc. Grants, private donations, schools,
and collaborative organizations support these programs. Basic costs include payment for the artist/s,
materials, equipment, printing (announcements or flyers), and food & drink for a reception. Many public
artists seek opportunities to work with students, community groups, and neighborhoods to develop projects.
Several of the famous Los Angeles murals were created collaboratively by the artist Judy Baca along with
young people trom swrounding neighborhoods.
Cost Range: $500 - $250,000
Community Projects
Communities interested in neighborhood improvement can sponsor community-based public art programs.
Working with local artists, architects and landscape designers, they can develop enhancement projects or
include programs for new constroction. They can also develop partnership programs working with local
businesses, churches, organizations, schools and/or area youth to promote temporary and pennanent
enhancement projects.
3
THE SELECTION PROCESS
PUBLIC ART COMPETITIONS (see page 8 for a public art project ptanning outline)
Once a decision is made to add artwork to a building or site, consideration of the appropriate media
(sculpture, landscape design, painting, etc.) should be developed along with criteria (environmental,
structural, aesthetic, etc.) for the work. This might be very specific or left open for the artist to develop
ideas. Once this phase is completed, the process for selecting an artist begins. There are two primary
ways to select artists:
Request for Proposal (RFP) or Request for Qualifications (RFQ) - When a new project has been
defined and the criteria set, requests for proposals are sent to artists regionally, nationally or globally or
some combination of the three. These requests specifY the infonnation and fonnat the artist must follow
to submit his or her proposal. Generally, background infonnation (resume, slides of earlier work,
newspaper articles, etc.) is requested along with sketches and a written description of the project.
Cost Range for selecting artists: $500 - $50,000
rn addition to artist's fees, material costs, construction and installation costs, and housing when applicable,
there are also expenses related to the selection process. Selection committee members are sometimes
paid an honorarium for their time. If artists are selected nationally there may be airfare and hotel costs,
and finalists (3 to 5) receive an honorarium for final proposals - generally $500 to $2000.
Invitational- The RFP process (above) is time consuming. In some cases, rather than reviewing a large
number of proposals, a smaller number of artists can be invited to submit proposals. These artists can be
located through a variety of means including review of current public works, contacting local arts
organizations, speaking with local arts professionals and/or contacting national organizations. Although this
is the same basic selection process as the RFP, it reduces the office work and time needed to interview a
large number of artists.
Cost Range for selecting artists: $1,000 - $75,000
Invitational projects often include artists with established careers, which usually means they come at a
higher expense. Cost also reflects miscellaneous expenses like daily stipends for visiting finalists, hotel
costs airfare etc.
PROJECTS
CONTEMPORARY PUBLIC ART PROJECTS
Public art has evolved from its decorative and monumental roots to include conternporary projects ranging
from gumball machines that dispense works of children's art to scientific land reclamation projects and
transit design. Some unique public art projects include:
. 3-D Chicago-The Pier Walk series has become an annual event of an "open air" display of sculpture
on and around Navy Pier in Chicago. rn 1998, 175 sculptors from around the US exhibited their work.
Sears, Roebuck and Co. sponsors the project, which draws thousands of visitors each year.
httv://www.vierwalk.com!
. Denver International Airport Project - a percent-for-art program was established specifically for
the construction of the new Denver International Airport. With a budget of over $7.5 million, 40
artists and 80 committee mernbers were involved in the development, selection and installation of
artworks throughout the airport, in transit tunnels, and outside the airport.
Terry Allen, artist - His Notre Denver project includes humorous gargoyles sitting in suitcases
mounted on the walls in the new Denver International Airport.
httv://wwwllreenmuseum.orll/artist index.vhv?artist id=21
4
· Portland Convention Center I Buster Simpson, artist - In Host Analo2.. commissioned for the
Portland, Oregon, Convention Center, Simpson is in the process of creating a forest of trees fÌ'om an
eighty foot long Douglas fir "nurse" log that was cut some thirty years ago and then not used as
lumber. The rotting log provides an excellent growth medium for sprouting seedlings. Simpson has
planted seeds of Western red cedar, Douglas fir, and hernlock directly on the log.
hl/v:/ /www.zreenmuseum.orz/artist index.vhv? artist id~ 2 J.. hl/v://www.bustersimvson. net/
· Battery Park Landfill, New York City / Agnes Denes, artist - In a work called Wheatfield - A
Conftontation. Denes planted and harvested 1.8 acres of wheat on a landfill near the World Trade
Center in New York City. The Wheatfield project was a stark visual contradiction: a beautiful golden
field of wheat set among the cool steel skyscrapers of downtown Manhattan. The harvest yielded
1000 pounds of grain, which was fed to police horses. hl/v://www.battervvarkcity.orz/vublic.htm
· Washington DC / Maya Lin, architect - Vietnam War Memorial At the age of20 and still a
student at Yale University, Lin won a national design competition for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Under a complicated and politically messy process, the famously simple but moving piece was erected
and has become one of the most visited National Monuments in Washington DC.
hl/v://www.vietvet.orz/thewall.htm
· The AIDS Memorial Quilt - The largest on-going international community arts project in the world.
Each of the over 41,000 colorful panels in the Quilt was made to remember the life of a person lost to
AIDS. The quilt continues to grow and is supported by a web page with infonnation about aids and
aids research. < httv://www.aidsQui/t.orzl>
5
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why public art?
Placing art in public places is as old as humankind. From cave paintings and pyramids to monuments and
architectural design, art has always been a part of the public realm. In contemporary society, public art,
and the community participation which often accompanies it, contributes to the identity of a city. In
the same way that people work to decorate their homes, public art offers visual appeal, pride, a sense of
celebration, fun, and often represents the health and wealth of the city it inhabits.
Where does the money come from for a percent for art project?
Recent public art ordinances allocate a percent (1 to 3%) of the budgets of eligible capital construction
projects for public art. (In most cases this includes any publicly funded project over I million dollars.) The
money is placed in a separate, interest-bearing public art and design trust fund. (The trust fund is also
authorized to accept gifts, donations and grants or funds for public art and design purposes.) Interest
accrues to the benefit of the public art and design program, This money is then allocated for
administration, programming, fabrication, installation and maintenance/preservation of art work.
Who should administrate public art programs?
There are several models for public art administration. At the city/county level, public art commissions or
cultural affairs councils--with the support of additional staff members--are created separately or within an
existing government agency (Mayor's Office, Board of Public Service, for example) to oversee projects.
In many cases, existing arts councils and commissions assume the responsibility by adding one or two staff
people. In addition to budgeting and general office administration, the responsibilities of these commissions
generally cover the following:
· Act as a team leader for city project managers, architects, professional design teams, community
representatives and artists
· Assist in detennining an appropriate artistic medium, as well as site opportunities and limitations
· Contract negotiations, budgeting, payment schedules and insurance requirements
· Defme the artist selection process eligibility and criteria
· Support an artist mailing list and slide registry
· Prepare bids and place announcements in appropriate publications; infonn artists of opportunities
· Develop selection process gnidelines to ensure equal access for artists of all backgrounds
· Identity qualified volunteers to serve on selection/advisory panels and oversee the panels
· Develop maintenance guidelines and act in accordance with professional conservators to maintain
collected work
Examples: City of Columbia, Office of Cultural Affairs in Columbia, MO; Mayor's Commission on Art,
Culture and Film in Denver; Kansas City Municipal Art Commission, Kansas City, MO, Seattle Arts
Commission; The Cultural Arts Council of Houston/Hanis County; The San Francisco Art Commission;
The Pheonix Arts Commission; Broward County Cultural Affairs Division, Broward county, FL; City of
Atlanta, Bureau of Cultural Affairs; Office of Arts and Culture, City of Philadelprua, Scottsdale Cultural
Council, AZ; Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission, VA; Las Vegas Arts Commission, NV;
etc., and many state arts councils.
How is an artwork selected?
The public art program administrator kæps a list of potential committee members (if additional time is
required, selection committee members are sometimes given an honorarium) who are asked to volunteer
on selection committees. Committee members might include an artist, elected city official, school
administrator, teacher, local newspaper staff, a leader ITom the religious community, business leader, bank
official, students, community members, and an official &om an anchor business in the community. The
selection committee surveys the sitels and reviews the artist's proposals. Once finalists (3-5) are selected,
6
they are asked to create models of their proposal and make a formal presentation to the committee. The
committee is responsible to evaluate the work for its esthetic quality. construction quality, appropriateness
to the site, and engineering/logistical criteria. After an artist is selected they are required to adhere to the
criteria established for the project.
Can a proposaVpublic art work be rejected?
Yes. After the proposal has gone through the selection process there shouldn't be a need to reject the
work. If however a problem arises. the artist is given the opportunity to modifY the work or withdraw
from the project. After installation, a work can be deaccessioned (removed from the collection) by the
public arts commission after going through a deaccessioning process established by the public art
commission.
What is the economic impact of public art?
Of funds allocated to a project, a percentage goes to:
· Artist's feels, travel, per diem and hotel
· Insurance (if applicable)
· Suppliers, engineers (if applicable) construction and installation (materials, labor, contractor's fees,
equipment rental, etc.)
· Maintenance
· (In many cases a percentage also goes to neighborhood and community projects)
According to Washington State % for Art Research, for each Percent for Art project money expended:
· 6-6.6% is returned in sales tax
· 42-43% goes to direct purchase of materials
· 9-10% is spent on overhead (studio, utilities, etc.)
· 30-37% goes to pay salaries and wages of artists and subcontractors for fabrication/installation work
How much does the artist make?
Some people fear that the artist gets all the money budgeted and can do whatever they want with it. This
isn't true. A professional artist is required to act much like an architect--{Jevelop a proposal, fulfill
engineering criteria and specifications, and work with other artists and contractors to create and install the
work. The artist receives a fee for their work as does the architect, suppliers and contractors.
What's an RFP or RFQ?
RFP is an acronym for Request for Proposal. RFQ is an acronym for Request for Qualifications ~
seeking information from artists for several projects or future projects when a specific proposal is not
necessary. (See page 6, The Selection Process)
7
11 S"tep Process
AN ELEVEN STEP PUBLIC ART PLANNING OUTLINE
How to Develop and Implement a Public Art Project'
An elementary outline of important steps for planning a public art project Although this outline is
structured in chronological order, it might be necessary to duplicate some steps, change their order
or add steps according to your needs.
Two key elements that are crucial to the public art process: Patience and Inclusion
Patience: It is important to decide whether or not a public art project is the best solution for the
situation. Public art is not a "quick fix " process. Time and energy must be spent to develop the
concept, select the artist/so and include the community.
Inclusion: NIMBY stands for Not In My Back Yard! While most public art projects begin with
good intentions, many fail because they aren't appropriate for the community where they are
installed or they are thrust on the community without warning. Insensitivity to the opinions of a
community can condemn a project before it begins.
1. Create a Planning Committee
A planning committee representing the community is an essential element of successful public art
projects. The planning committee should be representative of the community where the art will be
installed. Factors to consider include age, cultural background, ethnicity, gender and profession.
Potential committee members might include an artist, elected city official, school administrator,
teacher, local newspaper staff, a leader ftom the religious community, business leader, bank official,
students, community members, and an official ftom an anchor business in the community.
Once the committee has been organized, a chair or co-chairs should be appointed. Next, detennine
the goals of the committee and a timetable for reaching the goals. It often helps to determine the
deadline and work backwards to set intermediate goals. Structure your meeting schedule to meet
the goals. Periodically check on group members' continued support of the project goals. Also, the
committee should devote time to educate members about contempora¡y public art possibilities.
2. Collect Visual Images and Educate the Committee
Compile examples of appealing historical and contempora¡y public art images. This may include
slides, photos, brochures, magazines or images /Tom personal travels. Have people knowledgeable
in the field of public art conduct slide presentations for those interested. Use these images and
presentations to generate concept and budget discussions in committee meetings and to assist in
building group consensus.
The Regional Arts Commission has a slide registry of local, national and International artists
and can tailor a slide presentation for your needs.
Speak with Porter Arnelll at 314-652-5511 for more Information.
8
In addition, there are National, State and City public art programs across the Nation. Many offer
colorful brochures or web pages that describe their programs. With a phone call, you can begin to
fumiliarize the committee to public art projects ftom across the country.
3. Determine the Budget
Use the information gained ftom your concept research and initial inquiries to create a budget.
Consider donations, volunteer and in-kind resources. To start a fundraising plan, use your
knowledge of community members and organizations to create a list of people who have a known
interest or possible interest in a public art project. Detennine who might be the lead donor(s) and
how much that person or organization might contribute. Create a "contributors chart" working
down ftom the amount of the lead donors until it meets a major portion of the projected budget.
Budget Items to consider for a public art project:
· ArchitectÅ’ngineer Expenses · Photography
· Artist's Fee (20%) · Research Costs
· CratingfTransportation · Specialized Services!
· Equipment Rental Subcontractors - electrician,
· Fabrication Costs plwnbing, etc.
· Hired Labor · Storage
· Installation Costs · Studio Rent
· Insurance · Travel/Mileage
· Legal Expenses · Utilities
· Materials · Maintenance
· Miscellaneous Costs · Special Costs - installation, etc.
The Regional Arts Commission can assist you with budget development.
Contact Porter Arneill at 314-652-5511 or porter(à)stlrac.org {or more information.
4. Establish a Time Line
Activities to consider when creating a time line are:
· Community Education
· Concept Development
· Creation of the Budget
· Fundraising
· Marketing Plan
· Artist Selection
· Contracts, Insurance
· Creation of Work
· Installation of Work
· Dedication
5. Determine a Concept for Art Work
Identify and discuss works of art and concepts that interest the committee. If appropriate, the artist
selected can be included as part of the design team for a new building or site. In this case, the
design team can work with the committee to develop the concept for art work.
9
6. Conduct a Search for an Artist (or Artist Team)
Detennine if artist selection will be by invitation, local search, statewide search, regional search,
national search or international search. (Remember that travel costs and a per diem for each artist
will come out of the budget.) If artist selection is to be by search, rather than invitation, create a
"Request for Proposal" (RFP) and distribute.
Contact the Regional Arts Commission for information on developing an RFP and how to
find mailing lists and periodicals where the RFP can be posted.
7. Negotiate a Contract With the Artist
The contract should include a timeline, copyright agreements, considerations for additional costs,
insurance responsibilities and the individual responsibilities of each party involved. Public art
projects often have ve¡y unique requirements, it is wise to research and gain insight fium a number
of people to avoid complications.
PLEASE NOTE: ImpOrtant items for consideration:
· Insurance (Is the WOIk insured before, during and after installation? rf the artist and/or
assistants are working on site, are they covered? rf a child climbs on the sculpture and falls
during or after installation, who is liable?)
· Ownership of the work - i.e. copyrights, moral rights, image ownership, resale royalties,
credits, liability, etc.? (See attached article by Laura Danielson, Page 13)
8. Develop a Maintenance/Conservation Program
This tends to be the most overlooked aspect of a public art project. Awareness of the maintenance
requirements of a wOlk is vital and the costs should be included in the budget. Personnel should be
trained about the appropriate maintenance for each work. Most maintenance, if done regularly, is
simple and inexpensive. Neglect is costly.
9. CreationlFabrication ofthe Work
After the artist (or artist team) has been selected and explored ideas with the committee, they can
begin developing the work. It's a good idea to schedule several dates with the artist for
presentations and/or studio visits with members of the committee. This allows eve¡yone involved a
chance to gain insight about the artist's concept and methods.
rdeally, at the end of the creation/development process, the selected artist (or artist team) should be
invited to present drawings, a written description, a final budget and a model (also known as a
"maquette") of their work to the committee. rf the committee approves the proposed work and the
budget, then a meeting with community members to announce the project is recommended. If the
committee doesn't approve the proposed work and/or the budget, then the artist should solicit new
ideas and criticisms and work with the committee to decide what changes are appropriate. It is
important for the committee to remember that the artist has been selected for their artistic
and professional skills; they should be given as much creative control of the project as
possible.
10
10. Installation ofthe Work
After the work has been approved, instaIlation can begin. Depending on the size of a project,
installation work may include the artist, the artist and assistant/s, or other contractors.
11. Dedication ofthe Work
The new artwork is installed! Now it's time to celebrate, thank the people involved, alert the press
and dedicate the work!
*Much of the information for this outline is borrowed, with permission, ITom The Arkansas Arts Council's Public
Art Grant Program Planning Manual, by Sally Williams, Director of Public Art.
11
Public Art Resources
Public Art Information:
The St. Louis Regional Arts Commission (RAC) http://www.art-stl.coml
PH: 314-652-5511 FX: 314-652-0011 EMAIL: porter(áJ.stlrac.org
Porter Arnei I! , Director of Public Art and Education
(Note: There is a reference library with several books about public art at RAC)
Legal Issues:
St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts
PH: 314-652-2410 FX: 314-652-0011 EMAIL: vlaa{a1stlrac.org
Sue Greenberg, Executive Director
Maintenance Issues:
Save Outdoor Sculpture (SOS!)
1730 K Street NW, Suite 566, Washington, D.C., 20006
(A program of Heritage Preservation, National Museum of American Art - Smithsonian
Institution)
PH: 1-800-422-4612
Periodicals:
Art in America
ARTnews
Sculpture Magazine
Public Art Review
Slides:
The St. Louis Regional Arts Commission (RAC)
Arts in Transit - http://www.bi-state.org/ait/index.html
Helpful Local (St. Louis Region), National and International Web Sites:
St. Louis Regional Arts Commission http://www.stlrac.org/
Arts in Transit http://www.bi-state.org/artsintransit.html
Public Art on the Net http://www.zpub.comlpublic/
Arts Wire http://www.artswire.org/
Missouri Arts Council http://www.llÚssouriartscouncil.org/
Intemational Sculpture Center http://www.sculpturecenter.org/
Americans for the Arts http://www.artsusa.org/
Public Art Network (PAN) http://www.artsusa.org/issues/otherinterests/peergroups/publicart.asp
Save Outdoor Sculpture (SOS) http://www.heritagepreservation.org/PROGRAMS/SOS/sosmain.htm
Art-public.com http://www.art-public.com
Phoenix Art Commission/Artist Opportunities - http://www.ci.phoenix.az.us!MILE/stoneidx.html
Arts Calendar - www.artcalendar.com
ArtDeadline.com - www.artdeadline.com
Community Arts Network - http://www.communitvarts.net/
12
Legal Issues Surrounding Public Art Contracts
by Laura Danielson
As we all know, many recent public arts
commissions have embroiled artists in controversy
and entangled them in bureaucratic red tape. While
some of these conflicts are unavoidable, certain legal
issues can be anticipated and dealt with effectively in
the public art commission agreement. When an artist
receives a public art commission, he or she is
typically presented with a standard, often lengthy
contract that spells out the obligations of both
parties. It details the project and its dimensions,
timetable and delivery, payment schedule, insurance,
artist's warranties, etc. An artist should be wary,
however, of signing such an agreement (no matter
how acceptable it appears on its face) without first
analyzing whether it addresses certain key issues.
These issues, relating to artists' rights and liabilities,
include copyright ownership, creative control and
freedom of expression, moral rights, resale royalties,
credits and liability.
dimension, and materials as fully as possible, but still
allow for artistic variations. This won't preserve the
work if the public ends up hating it and cries out for
its removal or destruction, but it will at least ensure
that the artist gets paid.
Another reason it is essential for artists to
reserve creative control is that they occasionally
bump up against union requirements that interfere
with the fabrication and installation. With full
creative control artists have more power to object to
offensive changes.
Copyright
Both the artist and the commissioning party may
have a strong interest in retaining the copyright to
the completed work. The artist's primary concern is
in preserving the right to control exploitation and to
create derivative works based on the original work.
The commissioning party's concern is that, the work,
because of its "public" nature, can be photographed,
reproduced, and otherwise exploited without
interference by the artist. The artist does not have to
forfeit his or her rights to resolve this conflict; he or
she should expressly retain the copyright, and license
to the commissioning party only those particular
rights it actually needs.
Sometimes the commissioning party wants the
copyright so that the artist is restricted from creating
similar works, which would mean the original work
was no longer unique. Again, this can be resolved
without the artist giving up the copyright. The artist
can agree not to make exact reproductions or publicly
exhibit the commissioned work without written
pennission.
Moral Rights
"Moral rights," which have long been recognized
in Europe, are held in such low regard in the United
States that most people do not even know what they
are. These rights are the artist's personal rights in
the artistic expression, the most important being the
right of "integrity" -protecting a work from
unauthorized mutilation or destruction. The idea is
that mistreatment of an expression of an artist's
personality affects his or her artistic honor and
reputation, and so impairs a legally protected
personality interest.
There are many examples of interference with
American artists' moral rights, from the removal of
Richard Serra's Tilted Arc in Manhattan, to the public
revolt in Tacoma against a mural by Stephen
Antonakas, to the total destruction in 1980 of ¡samu
Noguchi's sculpture in a Wall Street bank.
In the United States, there are a few states with
moral rights legislation, as well as the federal Visual
Artists Rights Act, recently enacted by Congress
after the United States signed the international Berne
Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic
Works, which contains certain moral rights
provisions. The protection this legislation affords is
limited, however. Artists are advised to further
protect themselves by including clauses in the
commission agreements that limit the commissioning
party from altering or relocating the work without the
artist's written consent. Further, if the work is
improperly maintained, damaged, or otherwise
modified, the artist should reserve the right to
disassociate himself or herself from the work.
Creative Control
To avoid disputes, the artist should try to retain
all artistic and aesthetic decisions about the work,
allowing for flexibility in design changes. The
contract should describe the proposed works design,
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Resale Royalties
A very common lament of artists is that they
never get to profit from the appreciated value of their
work, California is the only state that has enacted a
statute that gives artists the right to receive royalties
on the resale of their works. But, this legislation is
effective only if the artwork remains in California and
the seller complies with the law. Another way to
ensure resale royalties, at least on the first resale, is
to include a provision in the commission agreement
that requires the commissioning party to pay the
artist a percentage (typically 15 percent) of the
increase in value of the work on resale.
hannless" clause in the agreement with Christo, who
had fortunately purchased his own liability insurance
for the project. While an artist may be able to ensure
in the contract that only the commissioning party
incurs liability for an injury, this case points out how
important it is for the artist to thoroughly understand
his or her potential for liability and need for
insurance.
By addressing all these issues early in the game,
before any serious conflicts have arisen, artists can
assure themselves fewer legal headaches later on. If
a conflict does ensue, especially one related to issues
of creative expression, the artist will at least be anned
with greater protection and clarification of his or her
rights.
Credits
Failure to ensure that an artist receives proper
credit can lead to serious conflicts. An artist should
require that his or her name and the name and date of
the work be placed and adequately maintained at the
public art site. Also, any photos or reproductions of
the work should require appropriate credit to the
artist. Further, the artist may want to reserve the right
to use the commissioning party's name and
identifying infonnation in connection with promoting
his or her work.
Laura Danielson is a Minneapolis lawyer with a
specialty in patent, copyright, trademark and related
causes, and is vice chair of the Midwest Center for
Arts, Entertainment, Literature and the Law
(MiCAEL).
Liability
If a work is damaged or lost during fabrication,
shipping, or installation, and there is no provision in
the contract to the contrary, the artist generally bears
the risk. It is therefore vital to ensure that the artist
has adequate insurance coverage.
A tragic example of other risks an artist can incur
in a public art project is the case of Christo's giant
yellow umbrella project, in which one of the 485-
pound umbrellas toppled and killed a woman. The
California county where the project was constructed
was shielded from liability as the result of a "hold
Notes:
John Henry Merryman and Albert E. Elsen, in Law,
Ethics. and the Visual Arts, Philadelphia: University
of Pennsylvania Press, 1990.
Scott M. Martin and Peter W. Smith, "Commissioning
Public Works of Sculpture: An Examination of
Contract Issues Involved," Columbia-VLA Journal
afLaw and the Arts, 12:481, 1988.
Sylvia Hochfield, "The Moral Rights (and Wrongs) of
Public Art," ARTnews, 87:5, May 1988.
Albert Elsen. "What We Have Learned About
Modern Public Sculpture: Ten Propositions," Art
Journal, 291, Winter 1989.
Louise Kertesz, "Christo Accident Covered,"
Business Insurance, 25:44, Nov. 4, 1991.
This article was copied with pennission from the author.
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RAC 1/2002
This publication is available for downloading at: www.art-stLcom
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