The marked deterioration of Damien Hirst’s The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living, 1991 – the tiger shark in a vitrine of formaldehyde – was the subject of a prescient article by contemporary art conservation research expert Dr Alison Bracker (V&A Conservation Journal, Issue 35, Summer 2000) six years before the shark’s replacement in 2006:.

The creation, ownership, disposal, damage, sale or loss of an artwork can give rise to a variety of disputes.

Having adequate insurance means that your work, studio, equipment or materials can be replaced if they are stolen or damaged, and protects you if an accident occurs while you are leading workshops or working with the public.

The answer to last month's poser (your commissioned art work sited in a public place falls down and injures someone five years after installation; are you responsible?) is: yes.

You are an artist. A public body asks you to design an artwork for a public space or place. You are promised payment 'if it all works out'.

Within four days of the opening to the public of Ai Weiwei's interactive installation, Sunflower Seeds, 2010, at Tate Modern, the public was prevented from walking on 100m handcrafted life-sized porcelain sunflower seed husks spread over the entire floor of the Turbine Hall.

If you are considering setting up a studio or gallery space with a group of artists, you will probably find it easier - and reduce the chance of problems in the future - if you agree some rules or terms within which you will operate.