We’re pleased to share with you a series of quick read articles for use by artists and commissioners when thinking about public art projects.

Some things to think about from the beginning.

* What is your project idea? What are your aims?

* Who is it for? What do other people think about the idea? How will you build support for your idea?

* Is there a preferred site (for physical artwork)

* Think about mapping out your budget, think about all costs and whether you might need to carry out fundraising.

* Map out the timescale of your project thinking through all the stages of the project from set up to design development and delivery of the artwork.

* What skills are needed to deliver the project, who will manage it? Who makes the decisions?

* Who are the stakeholders to involve?

* What is the wider strategic context for your project?

* Can you think of any key risks to delivery/ key considerations?

* What does success look like for you and other stakeholders in the project?

* What do you want the legacy of the artwork to be?

* How will it be maintained and cared for?

For more detailed guidance and resources visit Wakefield’s Public art web pages https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/culture-and-heritage/public-art/

These resources were developed as part of UNBOUND, an artist training & mentoring development programme for artists seeking to develop their practice to deliver artworks in public spaces, which was delivered by BEAM and YVAN in 2024/25. It was part of Our Year, and was funded by Wakefield Council, Cultural Development Fund and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Image credit: Nicholas Singleton