A review of the problems of managing of outdoor sculpture with conservators throughout the world has shown that many conservation problems of recent outdoor artworks could have been prevented at the design stage. This would save the considerable expense of rectification after construction and reduce long-term maintenance costs. The author has previously drafted guidelines for the specification of durable materials and design details suitable for permanent new outdoor artworks, which are usually of metal, stone or ceramics (including concrete). The most effective way to ensure that these guidelines are adopted when public art is commissioned is to ensure that the design brief and commissioning contract incorporates appropriate clauses ensuring selection of appropriate materials and design details and that professional conservation advice is heeded. The wording of the design brief and contract is discussed and reasons for adoption of particular clauses are given. Practical examples are cited from the experience of the National Capital Planning Authority, which commissions major public artworks in Australia's capital city and which is in the process of incorporating preventive conservation strategies for new artwork commissions. Strategies are presented which can be used to encourage acceptance of preventive conservation by organisations responsible for commissioning outdoor artworks.