The commissioning process

The commissioning process is a dynamic process requiring commitment from both the commissioner and artist in terms of (a) setting out a vision (b) building good relations;(c) being flexible with time; (d) allowing for dialogue and discussions; (e) openness to ideas and changes that may arise through the process; (f) support with problems and issues as they arise. 

For the commissioner the process can involve:

a)    For the Commissioing Stages: securing of funding (Per Cent for Art and/or other sources); defining a vision which can help focus the commission (why this commission, for whom and what value in the present and into the future); engagement of specialist expertise to give agency and offer advice in commissioning public art; writing the artist's brief to consider vision, context and scope of the commission; overseeing the selection process and/or appointment of artist(s); drawing up a contract to operate as a legal agreement between the commissioner and the artist;
b)    After appointing an Artist: management of the process through to realisation and outcomes; support with problems and issues as they arise such as Health and Safety constraints, copyright issues and difficulties in resolving expectations; curatorial organisation around presentation and dissemination of final work or outcomes and, documentation, evaluation and review.  

For the artist the process can involve:

a)    For Proposal Stages: developing a proposal which presents your ideas, concept and scope vis a vis any requirements of the commissioner and takes account of the context and scope of the commission. Preliminary research may considers(a) what you are proposing (b) how, when and where this may happen and (c) for whom (who is your audience?) (d) outline budget (e) understanding of how to deal with any technical challenges involved in your idea.
b)    After being awarded a commission: a further research and development phase may be necessary to consolidate and test your ideas and allow for a deeper consideration of the context; making work and/or co-ordinating participation in process-based approach; management of time and schedules; budgeting; co-ordinating of others, experts, participants, labour, designers etc.; presentation or dissemination of final work/outcomes; documentation, critical reflection and evaluation.

Agency - Increasingly commissioners of public art projects either appoint expert advice to assist in the creative process and deliver the realisation of an artwork. This might involve an artistic director, curator, public art officer or persons with in-depth knowledge in a particular field - e.g. specialist in contemporary music. Sometimes people will directly invite agents to devise a programme of commissions. Artists may also have their own agents to oversee project development. Agents variously assist in consultation about process, linking to a range of skills such as arts discipline knowledge, experience of assessment criteria and procedures, project planning and delivery, budgeting and financial management, negotiation, mediation, facilitation and advocacy. Agents can usefully assist steering groups and partnership developments in the course of a commission.

Checklist?   

• Devise briefing document?  

• Sourcing and engage agency

• Consider nature of engaging people in the creative process

• Pre-planning - establish protocols appropriate to a particular process,  scoping, refining, reflecting, focusing?   

• With parties, envisaging outcomes