The Art Law team at Mishcon de Reya have produced guidance on embedding sustainability into commissioning agreements. This may include considerations on the use of materials that may change over time, or providing consent for residual materials of the artwork to be reused by other artists.
Ensure that commissioning agreements explicitly include clauses focused on sustainability. These should cover the use of sustainable materials, environmentally friendly production methods, and responsible sourcing.
Choose and specify the use of materials that are sustainable, recyclable, or reusable in the contract. This includes sourcing materials from environmentally responsible providers and incorporating processes that minimise environmental impact during the creation, installation, and potential decommissioning of the artwork.
Address the end-of-life plan for the artwork within the commissioning agreement. This includes stipulating how materials will be recycled or reused, obtaining clear consent for the subsequent use of materials by other artists, and ensuring proper documentation and credit lines for reused components.
Include a requirement in the contract for an environmental impact assessment of the commissioned work. Set clear standards and thresholds for the environmental impact to ensure the work meets agreed-upon sustainability criteria.
Discuss and document the long-term sustainability of the artwork, including maintenance, relocation, and disposal. Establish protocols for repairs and replacements using sustainable methods. The artist's involvement in these processes should be clearly defined to preserve the work’s integrity and environmental commitments.
Be flexible with where works can be fabricated. Allow for the possibility of this happening local to the installation venue.
Create a Carbon Report for this project using GCC’s free carbon calculator.