Writing a project brief will clarify your thoughts about the project. It will help others to understand your plans and is a valuable tool in fundraising and in employing an artist.
The brief should include: - Details about the organisation setting up the project
- The aims and objectives of the project
- A description of what the artist or company is being commissioned for, like making, presenting or facilitating
- Details of those involved in the project
- Details of who will manage the project and how it will be managed
- A timetable, including any important deadlines
- A budget and details of fees
- Details of how the artist will be selected
Depending on the project, other information such as the history or geography of the area may be relevant. For a permanent artwork details of installation and maintenance should also be included. It is vital to include any specific constraints, particularly deadlines which need to be clear from the start. The brief may vary in length depending on the size and complexity of the project but even for a single workshop it is worth setting out the details clearly for the artist.
You should also be prepared to adapt your brief in consultation with your artist once you have appointed them. They may be able to offer new skills or elements that you have not considered or they may help ensure that the project can realistically be achieved within the time and budget available.