Senior Public Art Program Manager

Your tasks

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

Manage the complete artwork lifecycle, from

• Artist selection through an agreed procurement process
• Artist contractual agreements
• Artist briefing and full scope of work and deliverables
• Commissioning through design development
• 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 KPIs
• 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 artworks 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