Public Art Beyond Installation
Managing a Growing Collection for the Long Term
The unveiling of a new public artwork is often the beginning, not the end, of its story.
As public art collections grow, so do the challenges of documenting, maintaining, and preserving them for the future.
In this conversation with Artwork Archive, Austin Center, Public Art Collections Specialist for the City of Chattanooga, shares how his team transformed a collection of nearly 200 public artworks from scattered spreadsheets, files, and institutional knowledge into a centralized, long-term stewardship system.
Through real-world examples, this webinar explores how Chattanooga tracks maintenance and conservation, organizes documentation, collaborates across departments, and preserves critical information through staff transitions. You'll also see how collection data can support everything from contractor reports to public tours and community engagement.
Watch the full webinar to learn:
✔️ What happens after the ribbon cutting
✔️ Strategies for cataloging and managing a growing public art collection
✔️ Best practices for documenting artist information, contracts, fabrication details, and condition reports
✔️ How to simplify maintenance, inspections, and conservation planning
✔️ Ways to preserve institutional knowledge and improve collaboration across teams
✔️ Practical examples of using collection data for reporting, public engagement, and day-to-day management
Whether you're overseeing a city collection, public art program, campus collection, or cultural institution, this webinar will leave you with practical ideas for building a sustainable stewardship strategy that supports your collection for years to come.
Want to learn more about how Artwork Archive works with public art programs? Click here to explore all the ways Artwork Archive can support your organization.
