Public Art | FineArtViews Blog by Canvoo

This article is by Keith Bond, Regular contributing writer for FineArtViews. You should submit an article and share your views as a guest author by clicking here.

I have been fortunate enough to have done a number of large mural projects. Currently I am totally immersed in another one. These aren�t decorative paintings as you would see done by painting contractors who do faux finishes and such. They are fine art oil paintings on linen completed in the same manner as my easel paintings. The only difference is the scale. The current one I am working on measures 8 feet high and wraps around four walls of a 22 feet by 26 feet room. It will be hung like wallpaper and I will do final touch-ups after installation.

Two of my previous murals were done for the Senate Chamber of the Utah State Capitol Building. The others, though not public art, follow a similar selection process as public art. I have occasionally been asked how to get into doing public art or other monumental commission work. I sort of stumbled into it on accident. So I may not be the best authority on the subject, but I will answer what I do know.

For those unfamiliar with public art, it is artwork created for public spaces. Funding comes from local, state or federal government budgets. Laws have been passed setting aside a small percentage of the total construction budget to be used for visual art to enhance the facility. Examples include libraries, universities, government offices, museums, medical centers, city parks, police and fire stations, etc.

Many corporations, religious institutions, private companies, banks, and other groups similarly commission large scale works to enhance the environment or facility. The main difference is the funding is private. Often the selection process is similar.

Where to Start

There are many lists you can get onto which inform you of public art opportunities. Most states have an Arts Council. Look through their site and sign up for their newsletter notifying you of opportunities. Many states open the list up to out-of-state artists. Get on multiple lists. Also, some interior designers or architects may be able to connect you with privately funded projects of similar scope. But you will have to get connected with them first. There are also registries or catalogs that you can pay to advertise in to gain exposure to designers and art selection committees. I have never gone the route of advertising in a catalog. There may be additional resources out there if you want to research it more.

Is the Project For You?

Suppose you find a project that you are interested in. What do you do now? First you must determine if you are really qualified. Is your art at the quality it needs to be for such a project? If not, get better. If yes, then great!

Are they interested in your style? Can you tell? Sometimes they will list the members of the art selection committee. If you cannot determine whether your art is the right style or genre, look up the committee members and get a feel for their tastes. Likely, you will discover what type of art they will choose.

Read the RFP or RFQ Carefully

Most projects, whether private or public, will ask for a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) or Request for Proposal (RFP). The RFQ is primarily a portfolio and resume with possible addition of rough ideas for the project. A cover letter describing your interest and your past experience is also usually included.

The next phase, if you pass the RFQ is the RFP, though some projects skip right to this stage. This is where a well thought out proposal is required along with your proposed budget, time line, and terms.

I will discuss these in more detail momentarily, but first let me say that you MUST follow the directions to the �T�. Whatever the art selection committee requests is what you need to submit. Don�t do more or less. You may get disqualified.

The following may be requested on the RFQ or RFP or both. There may be additional items requested, but these are the most common.

Portfolio � Include the desired quantity in the format requested. Choose images that are high quality. If you have done comparable commission work or other public art, great! Use those images. If not, chose images that most closely represent what you are capable of and are most similar or relevant to the project.

Resume � Create a resume which highlights the relevant items and projects you�ve done. I�m amazed at how many people think a generic resume fits all situations. Tailor your resume specifically for the proposal.

Statement of Interest � This is an important document that must be written carefully. Remember, the committee will look at it in terms of �What�s in it for me?� If you have read the scope of the project carefully (RFP or RFQ), you should know what they want to accomplish with the artwork. Address their needs in your statement. Fulfill their needs.

Proposal � Sometimes you will need to prepare a proposal at this stage. Sometimes the list is narrowed down to a handful of artists before proposals are submitted. Either way, develop your best proposal. Take the time to research and develop ideas that address the needs of the client. Present the proposal in the manner requested by the committee. Make it neat and professional. Do your very best work.

Along with your visual proposal is a written proposal. This is where you describe your proposal. Be sure you explain exactly how and why your proposal fulfills their needs. �What�s in it for me?�

Budget � Be realistic. Know all of your expenses. If you will need to purchase canvas 10 feet wide by 50 feet long, find out how much it costs. If you need to rent a larger studio space temporarily, find out what that will cost including utilities. How much paint? Determine all travel expenses. Determine whether you will need to hire assistants. What about insurance? The list goes on. You won�t need to list everything on the budget (unless requested), but know your costs so you can bid enough to compensate yourself adequately.

Once the executive director of a project explained that they rarely choose the least expensive proposal (out of all contractors and subcontractors for the entire project). It was usually submitted by the company or individual who did lesser quality work. The client is looking for quality and is willing to pay for it.

Final Thoughts

You will likely be interviewed if you become one of the finalists. You may likely need to make a presentation of your proposal. You will explain your concept and answer the committee�s questions. Prepare yourself well for this. Dress up for this.

Realize that you will be working with a construction schedule. You must be able to be flexible and be able to accommodate the needs of the client, the contractor, and any other interested party.

Also realize that a legal contract will need to be negotiated and signed. Have an attorney go over it. You won�t be able to understand all of the implications yourself.

Very Final Thought

Monumental works, public art, and other similar commissions can be very rewarding, both financially and emotionally. I never would have thought that I would have gone down this path, but I thoroughly enjoy this work. It is very demanding, but the rewards are wonderful. It is artwork that will last for generations.

Good Luck,

Keith Bond