What is a “visibility requirement” and how have public art programs ensured that their work is accessible to viewers?

Some governments that sponsor public art programs require projects to meet minimum levels of accessibility, for instance requiring that all new commissions are visible during daylight hours for a certain number of days each week.  Such mandates are particularly salient when the artwork is installed inside of a building or space that may otherwise restrict public access.  While such requirements are more often the exception than the rule, those programs affected must be sure to clearly communicate visibility requirements to artists early in the commissioning process, and to select installation sites that will not pose added difficulties for accessibility.  Likewise, programs should consider likely future development in the artworks’ vicinity in order to ensure the work will remain visible and accessible for the foreseeable future.