ICArt considers smart software and creative solutions vital for a successful floating art programme
By
Rebecca Gibson |
This article was first published in the Spring/Summer 2016 issue of International Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
The job of a corporate art consultant has always been about far more than simply selecting and ordering artwork. As the aesthetics of a cruise ship become an increasingly important factor in brand differentiation, onboard art projects are becoming even more elaborate, presenting a greater technical challenge.
From its global offices, International Corporate Art (ICArt) provides a diverse range of artwork for various cruise ships, ranging from thousands of beautifully framed pictures, antiques and wall coverings, to suspended sculptures that span several decks.
Anne Cecilie Thidemansen, the company’s chief operating officer, is currently in her second spell with ICArt after being drawn back by the diverse challenges she describes as a ‘giant jigsaw puzzle’.
“What I enjoy most is the daily variety,” she enthuses. “One day I get dressed up to present a concept to senior executives, and the next I am at the yard in my hard hat and reflective gear. It keeps things interesting, which keeps the creative juices flowing.”
ICArt has decades of experience and understands the complex logistics behind these art installations. Far from a mere afterthought, modern ship art programmes are a delicate balance between artistic vision and engineering know-how.
“No two projects are alike and it can take up to one year to plan some large-scale installations,” explains Thidemansen. “Coordinating the installation of thousands of objects in their correct locations is a real challenge. Considerations include structural reinforcement of ceilings and floors, electrical wiring, the availability of cranes and lifts, and of course, safety is paramount.”
Modern sculptures present a new set of challenges. Installations that move or are located outside must be carefully planned in conjunction with engineering to ensure passenger safety at all times. A critical part of the puzzle for ICArt is its knowledge of safety, fire regulations and onboard vibrations. In a floating art gallery, millimetres matter.
To help meet these logistical challenges, ICArt has developed bespoke software called Betti, which acts as an internal logistics manager on all projects. Betti also manages inventory, finance, tonnage, production processes and the data required to comply with insurance and fire regulations.
“Betti is the most important member of the team at ICArt,” comments Thidemansen. “She was completely custom developed to our exact requirements, resulting in clear benefits for our clients. Time-consuming mistakes are reduced and we can provide the information our clients want, even down to the text for the signage and art catalogues.”
A smoother logistics process also means a more hands-off experience for shipowners, who have many other things to worry about when commissioning or refurbishing a ship.
The continual investment in innovation at ICArt is designed to go unnoticed by clients. If all the pieces of the puzzle work, then attention is placed exactly where it deserves to be – on the artwork.