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.

Following selection of the artist you wish to work with on your project you will need to put in place a robust artist contract that both client and artists can sign up to.

* The artist and project steering group may have an initial meeting/site visit

* A period of artist research will be undertaken

* Artists will connect with local stakeholders and deliver community engagement activity

* Artists will develop their initial ideas to respond to the context and brief

* Artists will develop a concept report about their ideas to share with the steering group for approval to proceed to the delivery stage.

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.