Public art can take many forms and is supported through a range of funding and commissioning models. This section provides a short introduction to the Per Cent for Art Scheme, explains some common terms used in public art commissioning, and offers links to useful guidance for artists, commissioners and community groups.
Public art is broader than permanent sculpture. It can include temporary or permanent works, socially engaged practice, performance, film, sound, writing, interdisciplinary projects and artist-led responses to place, context and community.
Under the Government’s Per Cent for Art Scheme, up to 1% of the budget of a publicly funded
capital construction project may be allocated to the commissioning of an artwork. The exact
amount depends on the scale of the project and national guidelines issued by the Department
of Tourism, Culture, Communications and Sport.
Public art may be funded through the Per Cent for Art Scheme, Arts Council awards, local
authority programmes, partnerships, artist-led initiatives and other public or private sources.
In Ireland, the Per Cent for Art Scheme has been widely used by local authorities and other
public bodies in connection with capital development projects.
Pooling of funds means combining Per Cent for Art allocations from two or more eligible capital
projects to create a stronger overall budget for a commission or programme.
Pooling can support a more ambitious artwork, a broader curatorial approach, or a more
coherent public art programme across related sites.
No. While public art is often associated with permanent sculpture, the field is much broader.
Public art can include visual art, performance, music, theatre, literature, architecture, street
spectacle, dance, opera, multimedia and interdisciplinary practices. Projects may be permanent
or temporary and may focus on participation, process or engagement with communities and
place.
Depending on the context, artists may be selected through an open call, a limited competition,
or a direct invitation or commission. Open calls and limited competitions are common in public
art commissioning. Where artists are shortlisted and asked to develop proposals in detail,
they should normally receive a proposal fee.
An artist’s brief is the document issued when a commission is advertised.
It usually outlines:
- the context of the commission
- the aims and scope of the artwork
- the available budget
- the timeframe
- the selection process
- submission requirements and contact details
A clear brief helps artists understand the opportunity and develop appropriate proposals.
Artists may find it useful to consult guidance on public art practice, preparing proposals,
undertaking commissions and calculating fair professional rates.
Visual Artists Ireland provides practical resources and advice for artists working in public
art here: https://visualartists.ie/how-to-manual/public-art-practice-for-artistsand-commissioners
Visual Artists Ireland offers an advice and helpdesk service for artists, including support on
public art commissioning, artists’ rights, costing proposals, insurance and professional issues.
Artists who need advice can contact VAI directly through its Helpdesk or Contact page: https://visualartists.ie/contact-us
Sligo County Council’s public art programme is managed by Sligo Arts Service in partnership
with other council departments responsible for capital development projects. Commissions
may also involve artists, curators, communities and external advisors through selection panels
and advisory groups.
For further guidance, see:
Per Cent for Art Scheme information
https://publicart.ie/fileadmin/user_upload/PDF_Folder/Public_Art_Per_Cent_for_Art.pdf
Visual Artists Ireland – Public Art Practice for Artists and Commissioners
https://visualartists.ie/how-to-manual/public-art-practice-for-artists-and-commissioners
Visual Artists Ireland – Preparing Proposals
https://visualartists.ie/how-to-manual/preparing-proposals
Visual Artists Ireland – Undertaking Commissions
https://visualartists.ie/how-to-manual/undertaking-commissions
Visual Artists Ireland – Advice Helpdesk
https://visualartists.ie/advice-helpdesk
Visual Artists Ireland – How To Manual (main knowledge base)
https://visualartists.ie/how-to-manual