Project: KAUST Beacon by Urban Art Projects
“The biggest difference is the hierarchy and scale of networks within their organisations,” notes Tait. “Although there are varying levels of management within our organisations, this is of far greater importance there and is treated with great respect. You need to establish early in the process who the key decision makers are and grow those relationships to the best of your ability.”
The KAUST ART program involves up to 75 permanent artwork commissions and a cast of more than a dozen international artists from places as diverse as India, Sweden, Tunisia, Cambodia and Torres Strait, in addition to UAP’s internal design team. Despite working against time, the artists’ creative visions have been realised without compromise, something Tait believes is a notable achievement.
“Part of Urban Art Projects’ role in the delivery process is to ensure both commissioned artists and our internal design teams are effectively represented, and their vision is realised as it was intended,” he states. “As a collective, I believe UAP are most proud of the fact that the design integrity of all works has been maintained.”
‘Beacon’ remains the piece that shows UAP’s ability to both design and implement an art installation project. UAP conceived and directed ‘Beacon’ in their internal design studio and took it through to construction documentation. “This represents a quantum leap for UAP and pushes us onto a new level on the international scene,” says Tait. “I am very proud of a team that can respond so successfully to such a extraordinary challenge.”
Tait also acknowledges the support of a team of consultants, nominating Fairweather Proberts, Robert Bird and Partners, Norman Disney, and Young and Cadway for special mention as they “were ready and willing to think outside traditional boundaries and push the envelope when required”.
These partnerships, and a solid relationship with a local partner, are crucial when working internationally, particularly in the Middle East, says Tait. “You can’t operate effectively in Saudi without a local partner. I listen to stories other businesses have to tell about in-region partners both in the [United Arab] Emirates and in Saudi and it seems there is great variety in terms of the services or assistance they offer. Our partner truly works with us on many levels and I would flag this as one of the most key relationships to cultivate if you are looking at working in the region.”
UAP also provided artwork for the Shanghai World Expo in 2010, another iconic production. Tait’s advice for working on international projects is: “Pay attention to fluctuation in foreign exchange and cultural factors as they can both have big implications for your international opportunities.”
And his recommendation to project organisations seeking international commissions? “The primary piece of advice I would give applies to doing business anywhere in the world and has recently been reapplied with our dealings in China: be proactive and be flexible,” he says. “If you show a willingness to adapt quickly to their model and perform outside the scope of your initial expectations, the client will take note and this can do little except create a positive reflection on your organisation.”
