What are the elements that must come together in developing and implementing a successful public art project? How is such a project administered? How are artists selected? Who should be involved in the selection of the art and what should be the criteria for art in a public setting? How can the community participate in the process in meaningful ways? This handbook is intended to advise and support the efforts of those embarking on a public art program. By no means is this the definitive how to on public art. It contains information and direction based on one program, Arts On The Line [an arts and transportation program designed and developed by the Cambridge Arts Council for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority].

The program is somewhat atypical of most public art projects in that it was entwined with a lengthy (10 year) construction project. Nevertheless, it is considered by many to be a pioneer in the public art field. Its methods and philosophy have served as a model for other projects throughout the country and the Cambridge Arts Council continues to provide resource information using Arts On The Line as a prototype. (Foreword, p. 1).

CONTENTS
Foreword.

1. A brief history.
    The federal role.
    The role of the transit authority.
    The role of the arts agency.

2. Administration.
    Art budget.
    Administrative budget.
    Staffing.
    Supplemental fundraising.

3. Artist selection procedure.
    The art committee.
    The advisory group.
    The art panel.
    The art bank.
    Administering the process.
    Step 1. Art committee meetings.
    Step 2. Art panel meetings.
    Step 3. Selection methods.
    Step 4. Proposal development.
    Step 5. Artists' presentations. 
    Step 6. Art committee discussion.
    Step 7. The decision-making process.
    Step 8. Final approval.

4. Fabrication and installation.
    Artists' payments.
    Fabrication and installation contracts.
    Examples of installation problems.
    Maintenance of installed artwork.

5. Community involvement.
    Community representation.
    Temporary art projects.
    Documentation and public education.

6. Appendices:
         Artist selection procedure.
         Sample proposal contract.
         Action list for design, fabrication, installation and maintenance of art.
         Sample fabrication/installation contract.
         Sample copyright/maintenance/conservation agreement.
         Specifications for general contractor.
         Sample public art budget.

What are the elements that must come together in developing and implementing a successful public art project? How is such a project administered? How are artists selected? Who should be involved in the selection of the art and what should be the criteria for art in a public setting? How can the community participate in the process in meaningful ways? This handbook is intended to advise and support the efforts of those embarking on a public art program.