Commissioning Contemporary Art : A Handbook for Curators, Collectors and Artists

The definitive guide on everything one needs to know about commissioning contemporary artIn an age of blockbuster exhibitions and public art projects, the most exciting artworks are often those that have been specially commissioned for a specific site or event. This invaluable guide reveals and demystifies every stage of the commissioning process—from the initial invitation to an artist and the financing of a project to the final installation of works. Combining theoretical and conceptual considerations with practical ones, the text is supplemented with copious quotations and insights from some of the best-known artists, curators, commissioners, and museum directors of today. It is an essential guide for anyone involved in the process of commissioning new art—private collectors, foundations, public bodies, museums, galleries, and artists themselves—as well as those fascinated by the inner workings of the contemporary art world. The definitive guide on everything one needs to know about commissioning contemporary art In an age of blockbuster exhibitions and public art projects, the most exciting artworks are often those that have been specially commissioned for a specific site or event. This invaluable guide reveals and demystifies every stage of the commissioning processfrom the initial invitation to an artist and the financing of a project to the final installation of works. Combining theoretical and conceptual considerations with practical ones, the text is supplemented with copious quotations and insights from some of the best-known artists, curators, commissioners, and museum directors of today. It is an essential guide for anyone involved in the process of commissioning new artprivate collectors, foundations, public bodies, museums, galleries, and artists themselvesas well as those fascinated by the inner workings of the contemporary art world. This handbook provides the definitive guide to commissioning contemporary art. Every step and stage is revealed and demystified from the initial invitation to an artist to the financing of a project, from the drafting of contracts to the final siting and installation of works, from the care and preservation of commissioned pieces to their interpretation and publicity. Combining theoretical and conceptual considerations with practical ones, Buck and McCleans lively and instructive text is supplemented with copious quotations and insights from some of the best-known artists, curators, commissioners and museum directors of today, including Nicholas Serota, Hans Ulrich Obrist, Jeff Koons, Vito Acconci, Mark Wallinger, Anish Kapoor, RoseLee Goldberg, Thomas Krens, Anne Pasternak, Barbara Gladstone, Mera Rubell, and Olafur Eliasson, to provide a detailed and informed how-to guide to the commissioning process. This Handbook Provides A Definitive Guide To Commissioning Contemporary Art. Every Step And Stage Is Revealed And Demystified From The Initial Invitation To An Artist To The Financing Of A Project, From The Drafting Of Contracts To The Final Siting And Installation Of Works, From The Care And Preservation Of Commissioned Pieces To Their Interpretation And Publicity. An Ancient And Intricate Practice -- Why Undertake A Commission? -- Who Commissions Today And What -- Making It Happen -- The Commission Thereafter -- Conclusion : A Practice With No Limits. Louisa Buck, Daniel Mcclean ; Consultant Editor, Vivien Lovell. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. This book seeks to plot a direct and practical route into the complex permutations of contemporary commissioning. It aims to point out the ethical and conceptual issues that underpin current patronage, as well as provide a practical guide to bringing about a successful commission. Some of the key issues around such matters as trust, accountability and relationships between those involved in a commission are also highlighted in order to provide a clear picture of best practice