This article was first published in the Spring/Summer 2019 issue of Spring/Summer 2019 issue of International Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
An International Corporate Art (ICArt) consultant starts the day at a breakfast auction to secure the bid for a self-portrait by Norwegian painter Edvard Munch. It’s the pièce de résistance to complete the onboard art collection for a major client. The search for this specific piece has taken six months and there’s a huge thrill to be had when the hammer comes down to confirm the bid.
Meanwhile, the hum of a 3x3 metre printer at the head office in Oslo is the constant reminder for the team of professional in-house framers that 300 cabin prints are due to be framed in the next few days. A request for an earlier delivery has kickstarted the day and the challenge of a new deadline temporarily shifts the focus of the team. Shippers must be booked, the installers notified, custom documents need to be created and the art-spec generator (the digital project manager – the heart of ICArt) needs updating. At the same time, other projects require the same level of attention. Like most other days, this will be a busy one.
Another project is at the early stage where a concept presentation is in the works. Deciphering what clients wish to communicate through their art programme is key to a successful result and is part of the ICArt expertise. The request for art photography onboard a cruise ship has sent two consultants to the photo fair Paris Photo, to seek inspiration and expand the company’s network of artists and galleries. A visit to the studio of one of our globetrotting artists, who happens to be in Paris at the time, completes the trip.
Working with artists from all over the world makes most business trips wide-ranging. Following up on commissions is a vital part of how ICArt continuously maintains relationships, securing the diverse network that contributes to the ICArt edge.
As the day nears its end at the Oslo office, the Miami team is busy overseeing the installation of a large-scale glass sculpture in the reception atrium of one of the largest cruise ships in the world. The technical difficulty of the project, with the vibrations and movements that need to be considered on any ship, are considerable. Working closely with engineers made what initially started out as a wild idea a reality.
A long day comes to an end with the opening of a gallery show, but before that champagne bottles are popping to celebrate a new contract; the proud moment where it is announced that this contract marks the important milestone of the 270th floating art project in the history of ICArt. Which ship will be number 271?
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