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Guidelines for arts steering group
When selecting
and appointing an artist it is best to observe some rules to govern the
relationship.
Artists are by definition their ethical position and in this case, their
visual judgement. If the choice of an artist is made, for example, as
opposed to a designer or craftsman or woman, then it is essentially this
that is being selected.
Once an artist is selected, the work you will receive results from the
individual and distinctive quality of that artist.
It is unreasonable to impose ideas, styles or working practices upon the
artistic process.
The first important decision is the selection of the artist.
Important considerations are:
* The quality of previous artwork and how appropriate it is to the intended
commission.
* The technical scope of the artist, does he or she have enough experience
to undertake the size of the project offered.
* The likelyhood of the project being completed within costs and within
time. Specifically any additional cost is difficult to manage within a
project and in a new build, failing to install the art before the hospital
community moves in can seriously complicate and compromise it’s
acceptance.
* If advances are being asked for and agreed to, it must be probable that
the artwork will be delivered.
* Once the artwork has been commissioned, the consultation process should
be limited to technical issues and decency, for example, infection control
or the use of images of children and young people without approval.
Interferance with the internal process of the artist is extremely unwise
and can simply bring the whole process to a holt in conflict.
* It isn’t unreasonable to ask to see work in progress, but any
issues that arise from this should be carefully negotiated. It is unreasonable
to make the assumption that the artist is there simply to undertake the
ideas or expressions of any individual or groups within the hospital.
Which brings us into the role of designers and craftsmen, who are essentially
there to provide solutions for the members of the hospital community.
The consultation process in this instance is quite different as the creative
process of the designer/maker is based on the research into the needs
of the community and the project offered.
The designer, maker, craftsman or woman will need to consult with a selected
group of representatives appropriate to the commission, for example, lighting,
furniture, china.
It is therefore useful to to distinguish from the beginning which is an
arts commission and which is a design commission and to make sure that
the right type of creative person is appointed.
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