Learn how to communicate effectively with engineers and understand basic structural principles relevant to sculpture and site-specific artworks. Artists will explore materials, load-bearing concepts, and the documents typically required for public art approvals. Guest Speakers

This session offers a practical introduction to the role of conservation and collections management in public art. Artists will gain an understanding of what conservators do, when and why to involve them in a project, and how conservation considerations can support both the longevity and integrity of their work. The session also covers strategies for archiving your practice—offering tips on how to organize, store, and track artworks, drawings, and digital files to support long-term stewardship, institutional partnerships, and future opportunities. Guest Speakers:

This session focuses on how artists can collaborate successfully with professional fabricators. Topics include identifying the right fabricator, communicating design intent, reviewing drawings and prototypes, and understanding fabrication workflows and roles. Artists will leave with strategies to build strong partnerships that respect both artistic vision and production realities. Guest Speakers

This foundational session introduces artists to the balancing act of fabrication planning. Participants will walk through key considerations that influence how a public artwork is developed—including site constraints, timeline, budget, materials, safety, and client needs. Using real-world examples, we’ll explore how early decisions can dramatically shape a project’s direction and success.

Managing the financial side of a public art project can be just as creative and critical as making the work itself. This session equips artists with the tools to plan, track, and steward project funds from commission to completion. We’ll cover core skills including building detailed budgets, understanding payment schedules, navigating contracts, and anticipating hidden costs like insurance, taxes, and long-term maintenance.

Public art often means working in complex bureaucracies and can lead to misunderstandings and a sense that transparency is lacking in the civic art field. This session seeks to address this dynamic by inviting artists to learn about the processes, policies, and structures that inform the civic art process within government agencies. From project development and management to oversight and multi-agency coordination, the session will explore these requirements from the LA County Civic Art and other agencies’ perspectives.

This session demystifies the public art proposal process. Artists will learn how to craft a strong conceptual narrative, integrate technical feasibility, develop a preliminary budget, and effectively communicate concepts to stakeholders. We will consider challenges and opportunities for designing in the public art context including ways that artists can navigate meeting client needs while retaining their artistic voice. The session will include samples and tips as well as a review of real-world RFPs.

Sustainability in public art isn’t just about environmental compliance—it’s a creative opportunity. This session explores how artists can thoughtfully integrate sustainability into their practice through material selection, production methods, and conceptual framing. Using recent public artworks commissioned for the California Air Resources Board as case studies, we’ll look at a range of artistic responses to environmental themes and discuss the real-world challenges of incorporating sustainable practices into public commissions.

Designed for artists scaling up their practice, this workshop addresses budget tracking, timeline development, working with teams and subcontractors, managing installations, and using digital tools (like Gantt charts and cloud storage) to stay organized and in control. Artists will learn from a highly skilled project manager who will share ways to stay organized, on track, and on budget in high pressure fields.

Public art often comes with unexpected challenges—but these moments can lead to meaningful growth. In this session, artist Susan Logoreci will share how she uses feedback, constraints, and even rejection as opportunities to evolve her creative practice. Through case studies of real-world projects, Susan will walk participants through moments where client input or institutional push-back led to stronger outcomes. She’ll also reflect on the shift from studio/gallery-based work to the demands of creating for public space and broader audiences.