Artwork may be acquired by commissioning new work specifically for a site or by purchasing existing work. An independent Professional Advisory Committee (PAC) makes recommendations for acquisitions to the Art in Public Places Trust. PAC members are professionals in the field of art, art history, architecture or architectural history.

After establishing the nature and parameters of a given project, the PAC selection committee reviews all artist submissions and makes their assessments based on the artists' aesthetic as represented in the slides and/or other visual materials. The PAC then makes recommendations to the Art in Public Places Trust that certain artists be selected or "short listed." At this point, the artists are commissioned to develop a specific proposal for a project site. This design development phase is executed in accordance with a written agreement with the Trust and paid according to the scope of work. Artists are given additional information on the budget, site, and scope of the project and often tour the site and meet with architects and other planners. The artist returns to the PAC selection committee and presents his/her concept to the panel. Artists use a wide variety of means to communicate their ideas including blueprints, maquettes, drawings, computer-generated imagery and material samples. At this time, artists are expected to present a working budget for their project. The PAC then makes a recommendation to the Trust for proposals to be accepted and implemented. Artists may download the Professional Advisory Commitee Guidelines and Criteria for Artists Selection by clicking here.

With the acceptance of a proposal, a contract is negotiated between the Trust and the artist. This provides for the artist to design and execute a work and meet all related costs such as travel, materials, fabrication, transportation, insurance and installation of the work, within a mutually agreed time period for a fixed fee. Progress payments are made over the course of the contract obligation in accordance with a mutually agreed schedule. Compliance with financial arrangements between the artist and his/her art representative is the responsibility of the artist.