a. The execution of the fine arts elements determined upon pursuant to section 3 of this act shall be let as a separate contract or contracts. Except as provided in section 5 of this act, the artist or artists who are to execute such fine arts elements shall be selected jointly by the architect and the contracting officer, after consultation with the council and the principal user.

b. For the purpose of assisting in the selection of artists the council shall develop criteria which may be employed in the selection process. The council shall also endeavor to establish and maintain a register of competent artists who are citizens and residents of this State, from among whom artists who in the various branches of the fine arts, particularly with reference to artists may be particularly suited for the various types of work likely to be required may be readily identified and selected.

c. Contracts for such work shall be negotiated within the limits of the estimated cost as determined pursuant to section 3 of this act. Public competitive bidding shall not be required for any such contract.

L.1978, c. 117, s. 4.