IN CONTEXT
IN CONTEXT

WHAT WE DO
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CMCK Public Art works with artists and commissioners to create exceptional opportunities for contemporary public art that challenges expectations. An independent consulting practice, CMCK Public Art uniquely combines curatorial and public art management expertise to provide a full range of curatorial, commissioning, project and collection management services to government agencies, public sector organizations, corporations, private collectors, galleries and artists. We excel in writing public art plans, collection plans, collection assessments and program reviews..
CMCK Public Art fosters connections between people and their environments by curating and commissioning public art in relation to its context. We work with clients to envision compelling opportunities for artists to work in the public realm. We tailor our approach to meet the needs of each client and each artist’s practice. Practiced curators and skilled project managers, we facilitate all phases of the project’s development, from conception to the final installation of the artwork. We bridge the client–artist-community relationship to cultivate a shared understanding of the contemporary context through art and dialogue.
With decades of experience working in visual art communities across Canada and the United States, CMCK Public Art has trusted relationships with a diverse network of artists and arts professionals. CMCK Public Art encourages meaningful encounters with art in the public realm that shape our understanding of each other and the places we live.
OUR SERVICES
OUR SERVICES
We use a curatorial approach when commissioning art for public space.
CUSTOMIZED APPROACH
We never start a project until we understand the various facets involved. But we work within a framework that ensures that we always create the best spaces.
DETAILED DESIGN
There is no universal strategy. Each task is an investigation that arises unexpectedly. We might, for instance, come up with an idea getting to know you.
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
We carry this collective knowledge forward and apply it to every brief, ensuring that we prioritize our client’s needs and get to the heart of what motivates.
CMCK Public Art excels in public art research, planning, assessments and program reviews for municipalities, non-profit organizations, and corporate clients. We aim to exceed peer-based standards in public art practice and create unique opportunities for artists and audiences to engage with the public realm through art.
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- Master Plans
- Collection Plans
- Collection Guidelines
- Program Reviews
- Curatorial Collection Assessments
- Collection Management Procedures
- Policies
- Implementation Plans
- Culture Plans
CMCK Public Art uses a curatorial approach when commissioning art for public space. We work with clients to develop unique, focused public art calls to commission the right project for the context. Curated art installations add meaning and vibrancy to the public realm enriching the conceptual and visual experience of art.
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- Context and Site-specific Public Art Calls
- Curatorial Frameworks for Public Art
- Collection Development Strategies
- Art Strategies
CMCK Public Art manages all phases of the public art commissioning process, from framing the opportunity and artist selection to concept and design development to the installation and project launch, including communications and documentation. We tailor our team to support the artist and client throughout the project to ensure its success.
Public art commissioning and project management services include:
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- Identify project objectives and parameters with client
- Develop commissioning approach
- Develop budgets, timelines, set milestones and communications approach
- Research artists and establish qualifications appropriate for the call
- Develop and circulate call (RFQ, RFP, Curatorial Shortlist, etc.)
- Manage artist selection process and artist contract development
- Manage project development between artist, fabricators, client, contractor
- Facilitate project completion, documentation, maintenance manuals, project launch
CMCK Public Art works with clients to develop community engagement and educational experiences that contribute to the meaningful life of the artwork. Public programming activities can activate and recontextualize existing artworks or introduce new work to the community. We develop public art workshops, symposia, public talks, and other public programs to stimulate dialogue about art in public space.
PROJECTS
✳︎ PROJECTS
PROJECTS
PROJECTS
✳︎ PROJECTS
ABOUT CMCK
ABOUT CMCK
ABOUT CMCK

Innovative Public Art Projects
Innovative Public Art Projects
CMCK Public Art was founded by Ciara McKeown in 2017 to further the critical reception of contemporary art in public space.
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