The points below would apply specifically where a local government is the commissioner for the public artwork, and thus is the (most likely) owner of the public artwork.

Local councils also often require private developers to implement public art projects in their council areas, and have approvals processes in place to asses and approve public art proposals put forward by private developers. The owner of the public artwork will most likely in these cases be the private developer so responsibility for maintenance will rest with them. Any responsibilities to the artist will be outlined in the Commission Agreement/Contract the artist signs with the private developer.

In some cases a public artwork commissioned by a private developer, in order to comply with a Public Art Scheme run by a local council, may end up being located not within the grounds of the development but on adjacent public land. Here responsibility for the maintenance of the artwork will need to be clarified and negotiated with the local council, and ownership responsibilities may be handed over to the local council.

A local government, once a public artwork commissioned to be of a permanent nature, is completed and installed should agree to:

1. Incorporate in an appropriate location a plaque

A plaque should contain the following information:

• Name of artwork:

• Name of artist:

• Names of any collaborators:

• Year completed/installed:

• Commissioned by: name of the local government

2. Keep an accurate record of all artworks

• Ensure that there is on file all relevant artwork documentation:

• Copy of the Artwork Commission Agreement (Contract)

• Copy of the selected artist’s Artworks Proposal, Design Development Documentation and working drawings

• Any pertinent engineering documentation from an Engineer

• Copies of any pertinent approvals from other state government authorities

• Maintenance Manual written by the artist for the artwork

3. Evaluate the artwork

This would be best done by a professional art valuer and reassessed over time. The commission amount may be used but in some cases the artist’s stature may make it in fact more valuable than the initial commission amount after a period of time.

4. Insure the artwork

5. Document the artwork

Have good quality images preferably taken by a professional photographer.

6. Promote, celebrate and inform the public about the artwork

Where possible create a one-page information sheet about the artwork incorporating an image, an artist’s statement and/or description and all acknowledgements. This can be a hard copy or on a Webpage set up on the council’s overall website which may also include a map of all the public artworks in the municipality. There are opportunities here for the creation of public artwork trails for locals and tourists, or for information about artworks to be incorporated into more general tourist maps for areas. If public art projects have been developed around themes of local history and identity, cultural diversity etc. there is scope to incorporate promotion and celebration of specific artworks during local festivals and events.

7. Develop a Maintenance Plan

All artworks should have an associated maintenance plan which includes regular professional assessment for wear and tear, damage or vandalism.

8. Repair or clean the artwork where necessary

If there is damage ensure that the commissioned artist is asked to do repairs, and if they are not available to engage another suitable professional.

9. Relocate the work if essential

If an artwork needs to be relocated because of changes that will occur to its initial selected location then ensure that the artist, design professionals and community members involved in the initial project are consulted and involved in the determination of a suitable new location.

10. Follow a rigorous and respectful Deaccession process

If an artwork needs to be deaccessioned then the procedure outlined in the Artwork Commission Agreement (Contract) needs to be followed. For public artworks of a temporary nature the Commission Agreement with the selected Artist will need to stipulate the expected longevity of the artwork. Depending on the nature of the artwork, maintenance responsibilities may also need to be clearly outlined. (Examples of temporary artworks include murals, sound installations, projections and multi-media installations)

Guidelines prepared by Andra Kins