Public Art Director // Iconic Heritage Destination

Role Summary

Effectively lead the development and delivery of the Public Art programme to ensure the creation of a programme that supports local Saudi artists and aligns with the Foundations vision, reporting to the Cultural Heritage Assets department director.

Accountabilities

• Public Art Master Plan alignment: ensure Public Art at a master plan and individual artwork level is aligned with the masterplan development programme to ensure the Foundation vision for public art can be successfully delivered and that the masterplan experience is enriched with relevant and appropriate artworks
• Lead the identification of Public Art needs in coordination with internal and external stakeholders
• Artwork development: ensure each artwork is closely managed for effective development and delivery in alignment with the approved concept including but not limited to the development of clear artwork briefs, regular artist alignment meetings, clear and approved budgets and delivery programmes, performance indicators, beneficiaries and maintenance guidelines.
• Project Oversight: Effectively manage the Public Art programme in close coordination with Foundation teams, the external development team (D&D), consultants and artists
• Vision alignment: Ensure the Public Art programme is planned and executed in alignment with the Foundation's vision and goals
• Programming, community outreach: Engage with relevant teams and external consultants to develop strategic approach to the programming and community outreach in relation to the public art programme
• Marketing and Promotion: Coordinate with relevant teams in the Foundation and D&D to develop a marketing and communication strategy to attract visitors, tourists, and patrons to the Public Art.
• Collaborative Project Management: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Foundation teams, consultants, SMEs, D&D, architects, designers, curators, project managers, and contractors, to ensure successful project delivery
• Excellence: Uphold Public Art programme excellence by ensuring feasibility, quality and relevance of Public Art proposals and artist selection, including alignment with the historical and cultural context.
• Quality Assurance: Implement and maintain quality control processes to ensure that Public Art programme and artworks meet industry standards and project specifications.

• Budget management: develop and manage the annual budget to develop and deliver the required projects. Ensure that the programs are implemented in compliance with set scope and budget.

• Programme management: maintain and regularly update the Public Art development programme and ensure timely delivery and close-out of each sub-projects. Regularly communicate the programme and any updates to relevant stakeholders.
• Team management: Recruit, train, and supervise team members. Foster a collaborative and creative work environment. Allocate roles and responsibilities to the team and provide necessary support to ensure optimal execution of tasks. Ensure team members are regularly attending relevant training programmes. Ensure systematic and productive knowledge transfer.
• Reporting and Documentation: Maintain comprehensive project documentation and progress reports; provide regular project updates to department director, stakeholders, and senior management.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate at a project level closely with stakeholders, including the Foundation leadership, Public Art Advisory Panel, Heritage and Culture Committee, D&D and cultural experts

Evaluation and Reporting: Monitor and evaluate the impact of cultural asset development initiatives. Prepare regular reports and presentations for organizational leadership and stakeholders.

• Capture lessons learned and ensure their integration into current and future programs.
• Establish and maintain a network of local artists to be hired for Public Art programs on a need basis.
• Monitor the TOR for acquisition of consultants/experts and contribute to the selection process.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• MA in Fine Arts, Design, Cultural Studies

Experience

• 7-10 years of experience in the field (out of which 5 in a managerial position)
• Proven experience of delivering public art programmes
• Knowledge of the Saudi art ecosystem