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 when mapping out your project budget, you’ll need to include –

* Artist fees at recognised industry rates

* Costs of project management

* Artist recruitment costs e.g. travel to interview

* Access costs

* Fee for a mentee artist to shadow the process

* Costs for community engagement activity, venue hire, materials etc.

* Permissions – e.g. planning applications, road closure

* Specialist costs – e.g. engineers, legal, heritage etc.

* Fabrication – materials, foundations etc.

* Installation costs

* Communications and documentation, launch, PR, film and photography

* Insurance for installed artwork

* Future maintenance costs

* Contingency

* VAT

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.