Alserkal

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Commissions Manager, Alserkal Advisory

Closing date
Job ID
Level
Location
Wednesday 21 September 2022
20220721
Manager
Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Alserkal Advisory is part of Alserkal, a cultural enterprise based in Dubai, that was founded by Abdelmonem Bin Eisa Alserkal.

Essential Functions & Objectives

A unique opportunity to work closely with the Alserkal Advisory team and its local, regional and international partners in the management, production and installation of upcoming commissions. A multi-faceted position, this role will work encompass internal as well as client based projects.

This is a fixed term position till 31st December 2023 and will report to the Alserkal Advisory Special Projects Director across the various projects.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Work closely with the Alserkal Advisory team to create short lists of curators, artists and potential commission venues, based on the commission brief.

  • Manage outreach to potential curators and artists

  • Create and oversee detailed project timelines that take into account all aspects of design, production and installation,with adequate approval points incorporated, both internal and external.

  • Support Alserkal curators and any guest curators, artists and designers in producing and installing commissions

  • Oversee the procurement of all quotations for shipping and handling of artworks as required.

  • Work closely with the Projects and Facilities Manager and the Production team to research, secure and oversee all vendors required for the production and installation.

  • Ensure vendors are aware of and comply with financial and procurement terms

  • Liaise between curators/artists / Alserkal team and client team to ensure all plans and drawings are approved by engineering and meet safety standards.

  • Ensure all approvals are taken on time, particularly for client-based projects, thus ensuring project timeline is managed. This includes internal approvals, client approvals as well as any authority approvals that may be required.

  • Ensure the projects are produced and installed as per the final approved specifications.

  • Responsible for maintenance and up-keep of the for the duration of the commission.

  • Manage vendors to ensure they deliver their work as promised, on time and on budget.

  • Manage all contracts related to the commission, which includes liaising with legal and finance departments.

  • Keep track of budgets to ensure costs are managed. Budget reporting will be minimum bi-weekly.

  • Ensure all purchase orders are routed through the company ERP (SAGE) and follow the

  • approved authority matrix and company procurement policy and process.

  • Coordinate schedules (and local transportation, if needed) for the artists and curators while they are in Dubai / ensure all schedules are cleared with AA management.

  • Troubleshoot any issues that arise with the commissions.

  • Plan and manage de-install, coordinating with all relevant AA team members and outside vendors.

  • Manage workers and, when necessary, coordinate and track their cash payments from petty cash; ensure receipts are retained and work with the curator and Alserkal’s finance team to reconcile petty cash at the end of each project.


Project scope

Public Art Commissions

  • Three commissions in the Emirate of Dubai in 2023

  • One commission at Alserkal Avenue in the Fall of 2023

Required skills + experience

  • 5+ years’ experience in a fast-paced, high-volume environment in a related field

  • Educated to a Bachelor’s degree level or equivalent and holding relevant professional qualifications.

  • A proven track record in project management and the delivery of projects with budgets exceeding AED 500,000

  • A demonstrable understanding of, and commitment to arts and culture within MENA and Internationally

  • Excellent organisational and administrative skills

  • Excellent budget-keeping and reporting skills

  • Excellent writing and communication skills

  • Work experience in the GCC or wider region desirable

  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team

  • Ability to develop positive, cooperative relationships across functional boundaries.

  • Self-motivated, with the ability to work within an ambiguous constantly changing environment

Position type and expected hours of work

This will initially be a part-time position, until the projects gain traction at which point it will be converted to full working days. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, from 10am to 6pm. Saturdays and overtime might be required during intense periods and/or during special projects and events.

This job description summarizes the main key responsibilities of your role but there may be other reasonable requests made and other responsibilities included from time to time.

Apply: talent@alserkal.online

About Alserkal

Alserkal is a socially responsible and forward-thinking cultural enterprise dedicated to developing sustainable models for homegrown initiatives with a commitment to nurturing alternative ideas and impactful research with regional relevance. Founded in 2007 by Emirati businessman and patron Abdelmonem Bin Eisa Alserkal, Alserkal is renowned for its ground-breaking artistic productions, experimental approach and for the creation of culturally meaningful spaces that inspire and shape communities. Alserkal has three primary areas of activity: cultivating a creative economy in Dubai and building a collaborative network of civic-cultural institutions through its renowned cultural district, Alserkal Avenue; providing advisory services to public and private sector entities; and, supporting public artist commissions, residencies, research grants and educational programmes through its non-profit, Alserkal Arts Foundation.

Alserkal has transformed the cultural landscape of Dubai and the UAE through the creation of a thriving, region-specific community of over 70 contemporary art galleries, visual and performing arts organisations, designers and entrepreneur-led businesses at Alserkal Avenue, providing an essential platform for the development of creative industries in the region.

Alserkal utilises its collective expertise in arts initiatives and cultural production, heritage creation, community building and engagement, as well as urbanism and planning for creative industries, to guide public and private sector entities in developing sustainable and responsive business models.

About Alserkal Advisory

Alserkal Advisory is a multidisciplinary practice comprised of Alserkal’s founding team in addition to thinkers, researchers, and specialists in diverse fields from multiple geographies. The advisory practice helps develop cultural production and establish spaces for polyphonic voices. The Advisory challenges conventional business practices, embracing a mindful approach to reimagining cultural destinations and crafting audience-specific public programmes that resonate with our communities, while also assessing our impact on society, the environment, and local economies.

Alserkal Advisory has three principal areas of expertise: cultural production, including audience- specific programming, flagship events, and public art commissioning; developing cultural institutions and destinations, ranging from establishing not-for-profit entities to building sustainable communities; and policy-making for creative industries, including guidance and support on infrastructure and government/economic licensing. Clients include Expo 2020 Dubai, ICD Brookfield and Swatch.