NEOM: Public Art Procurement & Advisory Strategy
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Project Type:
A citywide public art commissioning and governance framework for NEOM, part of Saudi Arabia’s $500B megacity initiative.
Overview:
Developed the strategic systems guiding artist selection, procurement, and cultural governance for one of the world’s most ambitious urban developments.
As a consultant for NEOM, I was responsible for developing the procurement and commissioning framework for public art and cultural infrastructure across the region’s expansive masterplan. I created a dual-path strategy that allowed for both single-tender and competitive processes, offering flexibility based on project scale, curatorial goals, and strategic visibility. The framework was aligned with the RIBA Plan of Work as well as U.S. architectural standards, ensuring compatibility with international firms while meeting NEOM’s internal governance requirements. My aim was to design a system that was both visionary and practical, one that could scale effectively and position NEOM as a leading global cultural destination.Alongside this, I developed the strategy for NEOM’s Cultural Advisory Board, outlining its governance structure, defining member composition, and establishing a clear process for its involvement in curatorial, technical, and policy decision-making. I ensured that the board held meaningful influence, extending beyond artist selection into areas such as feasibility assessments, ethical considerations, and long-term stewardship. I also advised on how the board could collaborate with NEOM’s legal, planning, and executive teams, embedding cultural leadership into the organization’s core development framework. This work required a balance of creative understanding and operational clarity, bridging artistic vision with institutional strategy. The systems I established continue to support NEOM’s ability to scale its public art program with transparency, accountability, and cultural integrity. By integrating creative direction with legal, financial, and urban development protocols, I helped lay the groundwork for a commissioning process that attracts exceptional talent while protecting curatorial values. This model remains a guiding structure for how culture is embedded across NEOM’s landscape, ensuring that artists, architects, and collaborators are supported by a robust and future-focused infrastructure.
A citywide public art commissioning and governance framework for NEOM, part of Saudi Arabia’s $500B megacity initiative.
Overview:
Developed the strategic systems guiding artist selection, procurement, and cultural governance for one of the world’s most ambitious urban developments.
As a consultant for NEOM, I was responsible for developing the procurement and commissioning framework for public art and cultural infrastructure across the region’s expansive masterplan. I created a dual-path strategy that allowed for both single-tender and competitive processes, offering flexibility based on project scale, curatorial goals, and strategic visibility. The framework was aligned with the RIBA Plan of Work as well as U.S. architectural standards, ensuring compatibility with international firms while meeting NEOM’s internal governance requirements. My aim was to design a system that was both visionary and practical, one that could scale effectively and position NEOM as a leading global cultural destination.Alongside this, I developed the strategy for NEOM’s Cultural Advisory Board, outlining its governance structure, defining member composition, and establishing a clear process for its involvement in curatorial, technical, and policy decision-making. I ensured that the board held meaningful influence, extending beyond artist selection into areas such as feasibility assessments, ethical considerations, and long-term stewardship. I also advised on how the board could collaborate with NEOM’s legal, planning, and executive teams, embedding cultural leadership into the organization’s core development framework. This work required a balance of creative understanding and operational clarity, bridging artistic vision with institutional strategy. The systems I established continue to support NEOM’s ability to scale its public art program with transparency, accountability, and cultural integrity. By integrating creative direction with legal, financial, and urban development protocols, I helped lay the groundwork for a commissioning process that attracts exceptional talent while protecting curatorial values. This model remains a guiding structure for how culture is embedded across NEOM’s landscape, ensuring that artists, architects, and collaborators are supported by a robust and future-focused infrastructure.