Integrate early, delegates told

March 2010

Delegates explored the process of commissioning public art in healthcare at a recent seminar delivered by Willis Newson in partnership with ixia, the national public art think tank, and Places Matter! 

The key message to delegates was that public art needs to be considered at the inception of a project. “I will actively seek to get involved early instead of waiting to be invited,” commented one delegate afterwards.

A day of lively discussion, networking and active problem-solving culminated with a review of the critical success factors we have identified.  The seminar provided an overview of the three main health procurement routes as well as an outline of the public art commissioning process.  It then showed how to draw these two processes together in order to maximise opportunities for working with artists. 

“A very interesting, informative seminar that has given me lots of good advice,” said a participant.  “Actually exceeded expectations,” said another. 

The seminar is based on the Public Art in Healthcare Buildings Guidance commissioned by ixia and written by Willis Newson. This will be available on the ixia website later this year.