Percent for Art Program Tips on Applying For Commissions

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Tips on Applying for Commissions

u How the Commission Process Works

Each Percent for Art commission is tied to a specific construction or renovation project at a state agency. Commissions are awarded on the recommendation of a selection committee composed of arts professionals, representatives of the agency where the artwork will be located, the project manager and the architect. The selection committee meets to determine the parameters of the project, and this information is outlined in the prospectus. When artists send materials in response to the prospectus, the committee reviews these materials and selects 3 or 4 semi-finalists, who are invited to come for a site visit and interview with the committee. (Travel expenses for this visit are reimbursed.) The committee may then ask one or all of these artists to submit a specific design proposal for the site, including a scale model, materials samples, and a budget. Artists who submit design proposals are paid a design fee. The committee then selects one artist to recommend for the commission. The selected artist completes the commission, in consultation with the project manager and the architect wherever necessary.

u Before You Start

Not all projects are appropriate for every artist. Read about each project in the prospectus carefully and decide whether it’s worth your time to apply. Some selection committees are looking for specific media, styles, and/or themes.
Notice the timeline for the project. Will you be available based on your workload or vacations?
If you haven’t completed permanent public art projects in the past, your chances of being selected are slim. Your local arts agency may be able to help you find or create smaller local projects to build your resume You may also wish to consider participating in the Percent for Art Mentorship program for emerging artists.

u On the Practical Side

Check the application deadline and make sure you send in the application on time. Note whether application materials must be in the office or simply postmarked by the deadline. If there is a postmark deadline, it is not necessary to send your application via expensive overnight carriers.
Don’t bother using fancy paper or binders. Your materials will be taken apart and photocopied for each selection committee member.
Put your name on everything you send. You never know what might accidentally get separated from the rest of your materials.
Label your images clearly (unless you want them shown upside down or in the wrong order). Make sure you include an images identification sheet with any requested information.
Include everything asked for in the prospectus. You may include additional materials, but the committee may review them or not according to their discretion.

u To Make Your Application the Best it Can Be

Make sure your images are of high quality (click here for tips on taking quality images). They are the number one tool the committee will use to select an artist. If the committee doesn't like your images, the rest of your materials won’t matter.
Send an updated resume, and be brief and concise (no more than three pages). Do not send a curriculum vita. The selection committee just wants to know that you have a proven track record as a public artist.
Spend some time on your letter of interest. This is where you get to express your intent and personality to the committee. You might discuss what aspects of the project are most interesting to you along with possible approaches. Show the committee you can handle the commission with skill, vision, flexibility and professionalism.

u Keep Trying

Just because one committee doesn't select you for a commission doesn't mean there’s anything wrong with your work. Each committee is looking for something different.

If you want feedback about your application materials, or information about why your work wasn't chosen for a particular project, call us and ask. Please be aware that images are voted “in or out” in the first elimination round without discussion so the quality and content of your images are very important.

Updated: July 10, 2007