The Challenges of Directly Commissioning Artists For Commercial Properties

In the commercial real estate world, art is more than just an aesthetic choice. It’s a way to make a statement, create an atmosphere, and even increase the value of a property.

Many property developers and interior designers consider working directly with artists to curate site-specific installations or collections. While this approach seems personalized and cost-effective, it comes with a host of challenges that can be mitigated by working with a specialized art curation company like Indiewalls.

1. Vetting Artists: It’s not just about finding an artist whose work you admire; it’s about finding a professional who can deliver quality work on time and within budget. This requires a thorough vetting process, which includes checking references, reviewing portfolios, and ensuring the artist has the necessary experience to complete the project successfully. A small misstep here could lead to a disappointing end result, not to mention wasted time and money.
2. Managing the Creative Process: Once the artist is selected, the design and fabrication process begins. This often requires a significant amount of hand-holding to ensure the artist’s vision aligns with the project’s requirements and constraints. It’s not uncommon for this process to eat up a ton of a developer or designer's time, which could be better spent on other aspects of the project.
3. Cash, Contracts, Copyrights: Drafting artist contracts, clearing copyrights, and dealing with payments and taxes are all essential tasks, but require nuanced expertise. A well-drafted contract will protect both parties and clearly outline expectations, rights, and responsibilities, while clearing copyrights is crucial to avoid legal issues down the line. Finally, managing payment schedules and navigating taxes require a deep understanding of best practices and legal implications.
4. Insurance and Liability: Site-specific installations often involve unique insurance and liability issues. These can be difficult to navigate without a thorough understanding of fine art and installation risks.

While working directly with artists may seem like a good idea on the surface, it involves a host of challenges that can be difficult to navigate without specialized knowledge and experience.

Working with a specialized art consultancy like Indiewalls streamlines the entire process. From vetting artists and developing ideas to managing contracts and overseeing the installation, Indiewalls takes care of it all. This not only saves time and reduces stress but also ensures a successful outcome that will enhance the value and appeal of your property.