The Manager (Public Art) plays a key role in the development and delivery of SAM's public art initiatives, working at the intersection of contemporary art, public space, and civic life. The role is responsible for managing public art projects from concept through realisation, ensuring that artistic ambition is matched by strong planning, stakeholder coordination, and responsible execution. Working closely with the Director (Collections, Design and Public Art), the Manager helps translate curatorial ideas into publicly situated works that are contextually grounded, operationally sound, and meaningful to diverse audiences.
The position requires strong project management skills, sound judgement, and the ability to work across artists, agencies, communities, and internal teams. The Manager contributes to the development of new approaches to commissioning and presenting art in public space, while ensuring that projects are supported by effective partnerships, clear systems, and thoughtful interpretation. Through this, the role supports SAM's commitment to experimentation, cross-departmental facilitation, and meaningful public engagement.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Public Art Project Development & Delivery
- Manage public art projects from concept through completion, ensuring that artistic, operational, and stakeholder requirements are aligned.
- Develop project plans, budgets, timelines, and risk assessments to support the successful realization of commissions and related initiatives.
- Work closely with Production and relevant internal teams to ensure feasibility, quality, and timely delivery.
- Monitor project progress and take corrective action where necessary to address delays, risks, or changing circumstances.
- Coordinate contractual, procurement, and administrative processes required for project delivery.
- Support the realization of experimental and non-standard projects by developing flexible and adaptive approaches to implementation.
Partnerships & Stakeholder Management
- Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with artists, curators, agencies, developers, consultants, community partners, and other stakeholders.
- Coordinate multi-party discussions and decision-making processes, ensuring clarity of expectations, responsibilities, and timelines.
- Prepare agendas, presentations, reports, and meeting minutes where required.
- Support the development of strategic partnerships and funding opportunities to advance SAM's public art initiatives.
- Represent SAM professionally in engagements with external partners and stakeholders.
- Maintain accurate and accessible project records, including correspondence, contracts, budgets, and documentation.
Public Engagement & Outreach
- Support the development of public programmes, talks, publications, and digital content related to public art commissions.
- Contribute to how public art projects are communicated and understood by diverse audiences.
General
- Contribute to internal knowledge-building and the refinement of systems, templates, and workflows for public art delivery.
- Supervise and mentor junior staff, interns, and project-based personnel, where assigned.
- Contribute to the development of internal capabilities in public art project management and stakeholder engagement.
- Undertake additional responsibilities and contribute to institutional priorities, as required.
REQUIREMENTS
- Degree in Arts Management, Fine Arts, Project Management, or a related field.
- At least 5–8 years of relevant experience in the field of the arts in a project management and content creation role, with proven track record in fostering partnerships across a variety of sectors and disciplines.
- Team player with excellent work ethic who is well-organised and who has managed several projects involving large teams simultaneously.
- Self-directed learner and problem solver who exhibits maturity and presence of mind in remaining productive under deadline pressures.
- Highly proficient in spoken and written English, as well as excellent interpersonal and communications skills. Fluency in other official languages of Singapore and/or local dialects is an advantage.
- Ability to work independently while managing competing priorities and deadlines.
- Cultural sensitivity and empathy for diverse communities.
- A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite is essential.
- Availability to work on evenings, weekends and public holidays.
