commissioning artwork

The Commissioning Process

There are numerous reasons why a commission is given: through a legacy or bequest, a perception that there is something 'missing' from the church, to commemorate a great event (e.g. the millennium), to acknowledge a significant person or a patron, a re-ordering or liturgical requirement and so on. The following guidelines are intended to help clarify the process and promote good practice in all cases.

Commissioning for churches is almost never an individual decision and it is advisable that people are kept informed and involved throughout. Why not have an open meeting/consultation before starting the process? Involving many people from the outset will help to ensure that the new piece is wanted and welcomed by the majority. It may also throw up interesting and original ideas which can later be interpreted by the artist chosen.

The copyright of the commissioned work resides with the artist unless it is signed away or licensed. You might wish to use the image for a card or other promotional use, and the details should be worked out well before the completion date.

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