About Installation & Challenges

When commissioning an artist to make work for a heritage site, or presenting an exhibition in a heritage site, it is likely that artworks will not be able to touch or alter the fabric of the historic building, or penetrate historic grounds beyond a certain level. Installation should be discussed at an early stage of the project development and any particular issues identified in the artist’s brief.

Within their proposals, artists should indicate how their work would be installed, and both sectors should be aware of installation costs. Usually the artist is offered a fee that includes installation, but sometimes installation costs are identified outside of the ‘research, design and making’ of the work. For temporary projects, heritage sites must always be returned to their original state without alteration and disturbance.

Checklist for installation / technical:

• Technical specialist expertise, if needed for installation
• Transportation costs – to site and back
• Maintenance of commission / digital implications
• Preparation of grounds / site preparation and staffing time
• De-installation and making good of site
• Health and safety.