There are numerous benefits to including art on a project: art enhances the overall aesthetic aspect of the project; it can help create identity, a sense of place and pride for the community; it can involve the users in whimsical ways, it can inform and educate.

To be guided through the process of selection, commission, installation and maintenance of artworks, it is standard procedure to retain a professional consultant/advisor. The decision should be based on issues such as: the budget for the art project/program; staff available to coordinate the selection process, monitor fabrication, oversee installation; desire for community/user participation; collaboration possibilities with design team members; time frame allotted to the process.

Evaluation criteria for the selection of a Public Art Consultant would include:
-Qualifications: record of achievement, education (combination of art, art history, public art studies, urban design, architecture and business administration, public relations)
- Compatibility with Client and Design Team
- Good working relationships with the Art Community
- Experience with projects of similar scope and function
- Strict adherence to standard consulting practices of fee for service (as opposed to commission)

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