Behind an F1 wheel, Hamilton is an artist; that’s why he leaves mechanical issues to the experts, just as he would if he were to commission a public sculpture.
The analogy is apt for the arts in general, but for sculpture in particular, especially when it comes to large-scale public works. Just like building and operating a Formula One racing car, a public sculpture involves meticulous planning, a team of specialists, complex technology, and sizeable amounts of money.
Without their integrated involvement, a large-scale project can go horribly wrong. This list shows exactly the perils a smart operator like Lewis would avoid.
1. Poor communication
Long before anything else, embrace a transparent sculpture-specific process to keep communication channels clear and positive. You need the oil of clear communication handled by a central expert who can facilitate and mediate ideas and processes clearly to all invested parties.
2. Integrating the sculptural process too late in the project
Too many property developments fail to consider the role sculpture has to play in uniting people, space, amenity, and culture. Plan integration and budget allocation at the beginning of the project. The earlier you incorporate sculpture into the life of the project, the more likely you are to consolidate energies and release synergies between all components.
3. Insufficient or inadequate explanation of cost-benefit ratios
Often the property developer takes the final decision on what components of the project get cut to meet an over-run budget. The biggest risk is that sculpture’s public value is downgraded to a decoration. Positioning the right sculpture as having economic currency and social return on investment can positively influence the decision.
Design specifiers and architects need to effectively voice the ideas behind the work to decision makers. By doing so, they rescue it from ornamental status, and stress its importance in breeding community ownership and a sense of place that translates to tangible benefits.
4. Overlooking the best artist/s for the job
Separate the sculpture development process into two separate components. One is concept and design by the artist/s most suited to the overall purpose of the project, as gauged by their response the brief. The other is project management by a proven expert who has the experience and technical capabilities to oversee the whole process. The two very rarely coincide in a single person.
This approach gives you the best choice of creativity. You can select from hundreds of sculptors rather than just a few who have the necessary 20 years of expertise and experience to deliver successfully.
5. Using art galleries, art consultants, or art curators to commission public sculpture
Make sure you clearly assign and have measurable accountabilities for your production, logistics, and installation roles. Identifying the right creative talent is no guarantee they have the right technical, manufacturing, or business skills to see the entire project through.
6. Commissioning an artist to self-manage your project
Research and qualify the artist’s capacities before commissioning them. Don’t wait for problems; contract a skilled project manager to support you and the sculptor to meet the brief, and mitigate the risks. The right project manager appointed at the start can help identify the best sculptor, and in most cases will save heartache and money.
7. Commissioning public sculpture with no relationship to place
Get the sculpture concept right before you find the artist. Ensure the brief meets all the development’s parameters: humanity, aesthetics, architectural integrity, cultural respect, and significance. Don’t install sculpture as an after-thought or merely for its own sake.
Select an empathetic, collaborative artist.
8. Choosing the wrong materials or overlooking design risks
Conduct a site and needs analysis, checking for geographic, historic, or cultural pointers that will enhance the harmony and dignity your sculpture confers on the overall development.
Many factors need consideration:
• Environment: Is it near the sea or exposed to other extreme conditions warranting special grades of material for longevity?
• Public safety: What public liability issues need to be catered for?
• Installation: What size or installation access restrictions could affect the design and the project?
• Site specific design elements: What neighbouring architectural, space, or design elements could affect the project, including colours, textures, shapes, and styles?
9. Choosing the wrong foundry
Avoid choosing an international foundry in search of a lower price only. Research reputation and risks personally, or better, use a professional with a proven record in risk mitigation.
Ask for evidence of the foundry’s ability to achieve your project and check the quality of their previous work. Be sure to deal with the foundry’s direct contact only, and sidestep foundry agents unless they have a watertight reputation.
If you don’t have the option of a reliable international operation, work with a well established local foundry. And protect your copyright.
10. Mismanaging quality control
It may be sculpture, and therefore prone to all the subjective and aesthetic judgments you make of art. Remember though, that quality large-scale public sculpture must also rely on design, engineering, and manufacturing standards to pass the test of time. Contract an expert to establish a quality control strategy with tested benchmarks.
11. Faulty or inadequate planning of pre-shipment arrangements
Customs, import/export, and shipping requirements vary around the world. Include these considerations in your project planning. Having chosen your country of manufacture, organise your clearance, transportation, and insurance documentation well in advance.
12. Negligent installation preparation
Generate a checklist with all certifications, clearances, labor and equipment hire booked and secured well in advance and confirmed at least a week prior to physical installation. Don’t forget issues like occupational health and safety compliance, with congestion on site and possible clashes with other trades or public events. And watch the weather for the official installation date.
13. Sub-standard maintenance planning
Your public sculpture is a physical, and possibly a cultural and heritage asset. Its value aesthetically, financially, and culturally depends on the quality of care and maintenance it receives. Ask for a maintenance manual so you can plan upkeep frequency and special maintenance requirements.
No one likes making mistakes, especially large and expensive errors that can occasionally blight the best of public sculpture projects.
Talk to Todd Stuart (+61 4 5151 8865) for the best creative and project management results for your large-scale public sculpture. Alternatively, you can read our full booklet on the 13 Biggest mistakes and top tips for commissioning sculpture here. You could also visit 10 questions you should answer before you marry a sculpture.
