How You Can Commission Art

What does it mean to commission art? 

Picture the people who typically commission art. If you're like most of us, you've likely conjured up an image of Kings, Queens, and the cultural elite (whatever that means). And you'd be right: historically, art commissioning has been an immensely privileged process. 

Yet it doesn't have to be this way. What if we created a better system so that anyone could commission art? If you were to design your own art commission, what would that look like?

Born out of Queens Council on the Arts' Artist Commissioning Program, this book will walk you through how to create your own art commission. In eight easy steps (and an interactive workbook!), you'll learn how to develop new culture - culture that resonates with your community and reflects your values.

We know that everyday people can commission art. For years, we've watched Queens art lovers of all walks of life produce new, meaningful work that tells untold stories important to their communities.

Now, it's your turn. Don't be confined to the culture that already exists. Commission the art you want to see in the world.