A commission will lead to a contract for an artist, to create something to a specified brief. That brief is set by the commissioner and can be very loose or very specific.

Rooted in the Earth by Joshua Sofaer (One of 5 carpet bedding displays in London parks.) 2008. Photo by Manuel Vason
Rooted in the Earth by Joshua Sofaer (One of 5 carpet bedding displays in London parks.) 2008. Photo by Manuel Vason

This article focuses on a public art brief, or a brief that involves public engagement. Many of its principles apply to other types of commission.

A commission for an artist provides the following

  • An opportunity to develop and realise an idea
  • A paid job
  • An opportunity to situate work in the public realm, with different communities and audiences
  • An agreement to work in collaboration and partnership with the commissioner from conception to completion
  • An agreement to work within the budget and timeline

When undertaking your first commission, it is also important to remember that every commission is different and specific and it is a process to be learnt through experience.

Keep a diary or notebook of your first commission and write down anything that does not go according to plan, so that you can learn for the next time.

The role of the commissioner

A Commissioner will

  • Create an opportunity for an artist to produce something new AND specific which will be detailed in the brief
  • Will agree with the artist that they can deliver the brief
  • Will agree to work in collaboration with the artist
  • Provide an opportunity to bring criticality to an artist’s practice

The brief

The brief will be set by the commissioner.  Depending on the project, the brief maybe flexible or can be developed together.  This is something that should be discussed with the commissioner at the start of the process.

Elements that should be detailed in any brief to an artist are:

  • The overall vision, aims and objectives
  • Context – history, background to project
  • Information on the commissioner
  • Physical or technical constraints
  • Role of the artist – scope of what you will need to deliver
  • Project management structure
  • Copyright and ownership
  • Budget – what is and isn’t included
  • Time frame with key dates
  • List of what the artist needs to deliver. Often you will have to provide a detailed budget, initial drawings/designs, and documentation to the commissioner as well as delivering the work or project

At this point in the process, the difference between a brief and a contract can be confusing:

  • A brief is what the commissioner wants from the project.
  • The contract is what the artist and commissioner have agreed to deliver.
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