9. ENGAGING COMMUNITIES

All artworks produced are ultimately for the benefit of people, whether these be residents, visitors or both. It is vital that communities are engaged in the process to ensure works are relevant and site specific, nurture local supporters for the work helping to mitigate against vandalism, increase community cohesion, break down barriers, to increase skills and share learning. Residents, local businesses and organisations are experts on their locality and offer a deeper understanding of the place.

Engagement can be approached in a number of ways and should be embedded from the beginning of a project. Options range from full co-production to actively participating in creative engagement, contributing to research and ideas supporting the artist's design development, co-creation of artworks or experiencing the work as part of a wider audience.