What role should conservation and maintenance have in the care of a public art collection?

Just as we maintain our streets, parks, and buildings, public art cannot remain in its original condition without maintenance.  A plan is required for all collections, no matter the size, and many programs require their artists to submit guidelines on the upkeep, maintenance, and material details of their work before the commission is completed.  Some programs extend that mandate to include further details from the artist about changes to an artwork’s appearance or placement, or other anticipated needs many years after the artwork is completed.  
 
The artist should also be responsible for the integrity of materials and fabrication (as specified in the project contract) for one year after installation.  A plan should be established that allows for an artwork to be removed if it has been damaged beyond repair or if it endangers public safety.