Public art enriches our communities by providing aesthetic value, cultural significance, and a sense of identity. More than decoration, artworks in public spaces reflect community aspirations, values, history, and identity. Public art, from sculptures and murals to installations and interactive pieces, engages residents and visitors alike, fostering a sense of pride and belonging. It beautifies streetscapes, activates public spaces, and contributes to the creative economy.
The emergence of public art collections
Over 35 years ago, Western Australian Government’s Percent for Art Scheme was developed to enhance state government capital works projects. Since then, similar models have been adopted by local governments and planning authorities throughout Australia. Over the last twenty years, there has been a surge in public art commissions across various sectors. Many LGAs, institutions, and organisations now find themselves with a public art collection to manage, maintain, and promote. While public art collections were once reserved for major institutions and consisted predominantly of bronze sculptures commemorating historical figures, today’s materials and techniques are diverse.
Caring for your public art collection
If you are the custodian of a public art collection, it is important to understand that these works are financial and cultural assets that require considered maintenance, care, and record-keeping. The materials and techniques used in public art are subject to material degradation, weathering, environmental factors, and, in some cases, vandalism. Over time, these factors can compromise the integrity and safety of the artwork, creating potential risks to the artworks durability and safety risks for your community.
Key aspects of managing a public art collection
- Information: Ensure you have all the information about each artwork in a readily accessible format, such as a spreadsheet or better still, a collection management system. This information should include the artwork’s provenance, the artist, commissioning, and construction details, which are essential for structural inspections and promoting the artwork.
- Valuation: Undertake valuations for your public artworks every three years to ensure they are adequately insured in case of damage or vandalism. Unlike many other assets, artworks can increase in value, and replacement costs escalate, so valuations should be done by a reputable art valuer.
- Condition Assessments: Implement a regular maintenance and inspection program to keep your artworks in good condition. Regular condition reporting helps monitor changes to the artwork. Each artwork should have its own Maintenance and Operation Manual provided during handover, which details appropriate care for planned and cost-effective maintenance. Free standing sculptures, older or damaged artworks may require a structural inspection to ensure public safety.
- Attribution: Ensure that every publicly located artwork is clearly identifiable with the artist’s name and the artwork title, typically via a plaque. Some organisations are choosing to attribute artists using digital media like quick-response codes (QR) or Augmented Reality (AR). When featuring images of the artwork in publications, acknowledge the artist. Attribution is a legal obligation under the Copyright Act 1968.
- Policy and Procedures: Develop tailored policies, procedures, and plans to guide the management of your specific collection effectively.
- Access: Promote your collection through your website or social media channels. Public art trails are popular and encourage exploration, which can benefit the community socially and economically.
A critical juncture
Public artworks are invaluable cultural assets that require diligent care and maintenance, especially as they approach the end of their expected lifespan.
The typical lifespan for public artworks is 20-25 years, depending on the materials, construction method, and environmental factors. This period marks a significant point where the likelihood of wear and deterioration increases, necessitating thorough inspections to assess the artwork’s condition. Without proper attention, aging artworks can pose safety hazards, such as structural failures, which could lead to injuries or property damage. At this juncture, structural inspections and condition reporting are indispensable for public safety and the preservation of these cultural assets.
The primary goal of structural inspections and condition reporting is to ensure public safety. By proactively identifying and addressing issues, municipalities and art custodians can prevent accidents and maintain the integrity of public spaces. Regular inspections also help in budgeting and planning for necessary restorations, avoiding costly emergency repairs.
A regular inspection program helps keep your collection looking its best and identifies maintenance requirements before they become issues. Well-cared-for public artworks make their surroundings feel cared for. Conversely, neglected artworks or infrastructure can lead to a sense of neglect.
Unfortunately, some artworks may no longer be viable to keep in the collection due to irreparable damage or reaching the end of their serviceable life. When this time comes, we can guide you through the appropriate processes to de-accession the artwork from the collection and remove it from the public domain.
People form strong attachments to artworks. If an artwork that needs to be de-commissioned is particularly cherished, you might want to consider commissioning a new work or re-interpreting the work to be removed.
How we can help…
At Apparatus, we offer tailored services to suit your needs. Our expertise covers a wide range of services designed to manage and preserve public art collections effectively. Here are the specific services we offer:
- Structural Assessment: Ensuring the stability and safety of your public artworks through structural inspections and evaluations.
- Condition Reporting: Regularly monitor and document the condition of your artworks to identify and address any issues promptly.
- Conservation: Providing specialised care to preserve and restore the integrity of artworks, ensuring their longevity.
- Maintenance Programs: Developing and implementing routine maintenance schedules to keep artworks in optimal condition.
- Collection Management Systems: Establishing and maintaining systems for managing detailed records of your art collection for easy access and reference.
- Valuations: Professional valuations to ensure artworks are properly insured and accounted for.
- Art Trails: Creating engaging public art trails that promote exploration and appreciation of artworks within the community.
- Brochures: Preparation of engaging and informative brochures to educate the public about your art collection.
- Digital Promotions: Leveraging digital platforms to promote and enhance the visibility of your public artworks.
We have experience with diverse collections and understand the challenges faced by those managing them. Download our brochure to learn more about the collection services we provide for public art and moveable art collections or reach out to us at collections@apparatus.net.au for a chat.
All photography by Frances Andrijich
Kristy Gough
Senior Creative Producer
Kristy Gough is a respected arts professional working across Apparatus’s public art consultancy and collection management portfolios. Kristy has practical experience managing large public art collections.