Senior Public Art Program Manager

Job Summary

Lead the planning, delivery and installation of the QPAC public art program - beyond the physical artworks - aligning with internal & external stakeholders as required; and successfully delivering on Qiddiya’s cultural objectives.

Manage the complete artwork lifecycle, from:

1. Artist selection through an agreed procurement process

2. Artist contractual agreements

3. Artist briefing and full scope of work and deliverables

4. Commissioning through design development

5. All necessary processes to deliver the artwork – governance, communication, intellectual property, project management, ‘realization’ of design fabrication techniques, installation, witnessing, handover and long-term stewardship.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop artist briefs that reflect QPAC’s curatorial vision, cultural narrative, architectural context and community considerations
• Manage artist shortlisting, evaluation, selection, commissioning, procurement, contracting, payment terms, appointment and KPI’s
• Co-ordinate artists, studio facilities, workshops, materials, galleries, curators, architects, engineers, consultants, fabricators and contractors
• Co-ordinate closely within QIC departments, committees and assets, as well as exterior groups such as government stakeholders and partners
• Lead concept and design-development reviews, setting key performance dates and indicators ensuring artistic intent is translated into technically feasible and commercially deliverable solutions and timelines
• Oversee artwork integration, fabrication, materials, logistics, installation, quality assurance and final handover
• Manage program schedules, budgets, licensing, contracts, variations, risks, approvals, government approvals and progress reporting
• Ensure compliance with safety, technical, regulatory, durability, maintenance, sustainability goals and asset-stewardship requirements
• Prepare and present to Art Committee, make recommendations, evaluation of materials, and approval records to stakeholders
• Maintain accurate and traceable program documentation such as ‘trackers’ using Qiddiya-approved document-management systems
• Support cultural partnerships, community engagement and the integration of public art as part of the QPAC ensuring best customer experience
• Ensure longevity or possible partnerships with regards sharing the art works across QIC or the kingdom in order to promote the QPAC brand

Requirements

• Proven international experience acting in a consulting, advisory and ‘on the ground’ management role in the delivery of multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural art programs
• Minimum 7+ years of relevant experience in managing international high level public art, cultural program management, cultural strategy, placemaking, performing arts venues, museum development or major urban projects
• Proven experience successfully delivering complex public art commissions from strategy and artist selection through fabrication, installation and completed handover
• Strong experience in interior design, artist commissioning, public art governance, procurement strategy and implementation, contract administration and stakeholder approvals
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, work across multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary programs and teams, risks management and variations
• Proven international experience integrating major artworks into infrastructure, cultural, commercial-development or public-realm environments
• Relevant academic background in Fine Arts, Design, Public Administration, Cultural Management all relating to performing arts or related disciplines
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, presentation and written communication skills.
• Experience working in Saudi Arabia or the GCC is preferred.
• Fluency in English is required. Arabic-language capability or access to professional Modern Standard Arabic support is beneficial for the role.