Many of Cohesion's members are happy to undertake commissions.
Commissions are an exciting way of working for both artist and client and can take the form of personalized presentation pieces, one off bespoke items, or an existing piece in a specific colour or size. Commissioning a glassmaker allows you to create a unique piece and prices are often less than you might expect. 

If you know which artist you want to produce a piece for you, contact the artist directly.  The artist will discuss your requirements and their own past portfolio and then proceed in a way that suits the commission. This might include a summary of the commission details and budget or a sale agreement, and a drawing or sometimes a sample of work.

If you need help finding an artist, contact Anne at Cohesion.  You might have an idea for piece of art for a special place in your home and want to know who can produce it for you. You might be looking for an artist who can produce a quantity of special designs at a set price for corporate gifts. Or you might have a prestigious award to present at at a high profile event and you want to choose from several makers.  You may be looking for a large scale installation for a building or public area. Cohesion can work with you on the brief, send it out to a selection of appropriate artists and manage the responses for you until you are ready to choose.

Whether you go through Cohesion or direct to the artist we do not take a commission. Our role is simply to help bring you and the artist together to produce work with which you are both delighted.

This will vary according to the artist selected. Some artists have a waiting list for commissions, but some may be able to start quite promptly. If you have a set timescale it is important to give the artist as much notice as possible. The length of time taken to complete the work will also vary according to the size and complexity of the piece you want.

A continued dialogue between artist and client should ensure that the commission results in an individual, unique and treasured artwork.

What about payment?

If an artist is making something bespoke for you, expect to pay a deposit. The artist may have to buy in new materials or use new suppliers for parts such as mountings and bases.  It also supports the artist's time in the development of the piece. 50% up front and 50% on completion is a common arrangement but this can be discussed with the artist. On very large bodies of work such as a large sculptures or installations, staged payments are really helpful and you can agree with the artist the 'milestones' in the development of the project against which to release a payment. Again, Cohesion can help with this by offering some guidelines on the agreement you reach.

Go on, have a go! Get in touch with Cohesion and we'll help.

Email: anne.tye@sunderland.gov.uk