So I was thinking, the devs are overworked already. And it seems to me that they're not really utilizing their largest asset - the community. As a way to speed up development, what if the devs made a list of artwork that needed to be worked on but they haven't gotten around to. Then every once in a while they could start a contest on the forums for the community to design one of the missing pieces. It could be as small as an inventory icon for a quest item to as large as a new cave/dungeon. When the contest is over, the devs can check out the winner to make sure it meets their quality standards and doesn't conflict with settings in any way. If everything checks out, it can be added to the game.
As for rewards, I would think the satisfaction of seeing one's own artwork in the game would be rewarding enough. Also, contest winners could have their names put in a special thanks section of the credits. As a bonus, it might be nice for first-time winners to receive a special artist cap in-game or something, but that's not the point.
A couple of rules:
1. Artwork must be completely original
2. Contestants must agree that if their work is chosen, it can be released under PlaneShift's art license. Sorry, but from everything I've seen/heard this is never going to change.
Please, please, PLEASE do not turn this into yet another thread complaining about PS's art license. Please. I'm begging you.