Review by Liz Hill
Published by Public Arts (2001, ISBN 0- 95540748-0 e: contact@public-arts.co.uk)
Designed to ?provide a taste of the breadth of contemporary art in the public realm?, and aimed at a readership that includes ?anyone involved in regeneration, the built environment and the arts?, this book is clearly biting off a lot, and in the main chews it pretty well. It is a full colour publication which is pleasantly designed, and comprises 135 pages which are divided into three main sections. Its content is somewhat variable in quality, but no more so than one would expect in an edited work with over 25 contributors. ?Setting the Scene? gives an interesting overview of different perspectives on public art, including funders, planners, architects and clients. Artists? stories are told in section 2, ?Types of Practice?. But the nitty gritty of how to get a public art project off the ground is saved until last, with issues such as commissioning, planning permission, maintenance and aftercare, marketing, and health and safety all given a slightly superficial but nonetheless insightful coverage. Case studies by artists, commissioners and consultants provide a useful backdrop to the more technical material provided. The appendix puts meat on earlier bones by providing a comprehensive list of public art and related organisations, guidance on the duties of the designer under the Construction (Design and Maintenance) Regulations 1994, and a copy of the standard commissioning contract used by Public Arts. At £6.99, this book must be a) heavily subsidised and b) recommended to anyone engaging in a public art project who would prefer to learn from the experts and avoid making their own mistakes.