Photo of an elevator bank. On the ceiling are curvy colored shapes overlapping one another. There are two people walking through the space.

Public Art

CAFAC’s approach to public art prioritizes diversity and equity, and provides emerging artists a point of entry into the field through our focus on experiential education. To make the field more accessible, we aim to demystify processes around public art and build artists’ confidence in seeking commissions. At CAFAC, you can determine how hands-on you want to be in the fabrication process and what elements you’d prefer to hire others to do.

Our involvement in public art projects spans a wide range of services. Whether you’re an artist looking for support with a project or an entity looking to commission a new public artwork, we can help! 

See below for the services that we provide throughout the stages of design, fabrication, and installation. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, reach out to heather.lasair@cafac.org.

Public Art Portfolio

Services For Artists

Proposal Preparation

  • Evaluating of open calls; finding a project that is a good fit

  • Assisting with proposal writing/submission

  • Assisting with concept drawings and renderings

  • Budgeting

Technical Considerations

  • Managing engineering studies (snow, wind, sun, soil, weight-bearing)

  • Adjusting design for budget and engineering constraints

  • Conservatorship and maintenance planning

  • Scale maquette and/or software modeling

  • Meeting with lighting design

  • Consulting on contract considerations

Community Engagement

  • Introducing concept to community stakeholders

  • Designing engagement activities

Fabrication

  • Selecting materials

  • Devising fabrication plan

  • Selecting vendors and fabricators

  • Training of artists and fabricators

  • Finishing pieces (painting, galvanizing, powder coating, etc.)

Installation

  • Fulfilling permitting requirements including inspections and approvals

  • Ensuring installation safety, including utility surveying

  • Managing site preparation or restoration

Reporting

  • Compiling required documentation

  • Conducting project reflection and evaluation

  • Identifying responsibilities of parties

Services for Municipalities/Commissioning Bodies/Developers

Developing a Call

  • Refining "purpose" of artwork

  • Advising on location

  • Conducting budget consultation

Technical Considerations

  • Managing engineering studies (snow, wind, sun, soil, weight-bearing)

  • Adjusting design for budget and engineering constraints

  • Conservatorship and maintenance planning

  • Scale maquette and/or software modeling

  • Meeting with lighting design

  • Repairing existing artwork

Community Engagement

  • Planning and hosting events and activities

  • Consulting on artist selection, including equity and representation

Fabrication

  • Selecting materials

  • Devising fabrication plan

  • Selecting vendors and fabricators

  • Training of artists and fabricators

  • Finishing pieces (painting, galvanizing, powder coating, etc.)

Installation

  • Fulfilling permitting requirements including inspections and approvals

  • Ensuring installation safety, including utility surveying

  • Managing site preparation or restoration

Long-term Considerations

  • Identifying responsibilities of parties

  • Determining conservation requirements

Recently Completed Projects

See our entire public art portfolio here.