Guideline 3. Briefs
Briefs should communicate the aims and aspirations of the project from the clients’ perspective but not overtly define the artistic or aesthetic content.
Click on a heading below for more information or scroll down the page to read the whole guideline.
Aims and objectives
The brief should describe why the project is being developed, who it is for, the location and context.
It is common practice to suggest materials or define practical requirements of the artwork but it is important not to prescribe overbearing themes or images within a brief – ideally the artist will bring their own creative vision to the project.
Vision
The ‘vision statement’ can communicate the general aspirations for the project in terms of how an artwork could impact positively on a space, within a building or for a wider community.
Timescale
It is important to clearly define a timescale that fits within overarching schedules – for instance if the commission is part of a wider construction project – but should allow appropriate time for:
- initial design proposals (1-3 months)
- agreement and selection of proposals
- technical design and costing (1-3months)
- fabrication and installation (timescale dependant on process and materials).
Where possible it is advisable to factor in a time contingency within the programme to allow for unforeseen delays.
Budget
The project brief may show a total figure available to realise the commission or may indicate a set amount for artists’ fees and a set amount for fabrication, depending on how the project is funded.
As artists work in a variety of ways – from being ‘designers’ to sometimes fabricating the artwork themselves – it is often most realistic to set a ‘total’ figure and let the artist decide the proportion of fee to fabrication costs.
Budgets should also be clear as to whether they include travel and accommodation for the artist, transport and installation costs for the artwork.
Location
Artists’ commissions often have a precise location defined but the brief can offer a range of locations and approaches.
Where possible it is good practice to describe the function and use of potential spaces and offer a contact person who can answer any technical enquiries.
Materials
Briefs sometimes prescribe a range of desirable materials if the commission is within a specific location or if there is a certain thematic focus.
Where artists are proposing new or innovative materials there may be a need for testing to evaluate durability or performance. If possible obtain advice from a recognised supplier or fabricator.
Information pack
Briefs which include thorough information packs often save time and help to define the location issues and historical background. Information packs can include site photographs, plans, reports, visualizations and historical information.
