“Public art works best when care, context and collaboration are embedded from the start. Art Common exists to make that process clear, considered and resonant.”
- Ruth Della, Principal Curator
Specialist curatorial expertise, when and where your project needs it.
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STRATEGY
Public art strategy, curatorial frameworks, site analysis, commissioning strategy, project scoping, cultural considerations, identifying artwork opportunities.
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CURATORIAL
Curatorial visioning, research, place-responsive thinking, artist and project briefs, commissioning approaches, interpretation and integration of art into projects.
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ENGAGEMENT
Artist research, shortlisting, selection, commissioning, briefing, liaison, mentoring and support, and facilitating relationships between artists, clients and design teams.
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ARTISTIC REVIEW
Independent review and considered feedback on artist EOIs, proposals and concept designs, as well as artistic integrity, feasibility, site integration and design development at critical project stages.
Art Common draws on two decades of experience working across public art, contemporary art, major cultural events and exhibitions.
This experience spans both sides of the table: working with artists to develop ambitious ideas, and with commissioners, government, communities, architects, contractors and project teams to make them possible.
It means understanding where opportunities lie, what artists need to do their best work, where complexities arise, and when a well-framed question or independent perspective can shape a project's direction.
Ways to work together
Art Common offers flexible ways to engage curatorial expertise, from independent advice and short-term consulting to ongoing collaboration and curatorial leadership.
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CURATORIAL LEAD
Shaping the artistic vision and direction of a project.
Ruth provides curatorial leadership, guiding the artistic vision, strategy and development of contemporary art commissions and cultural initiatives.
Working collaboratively with artists, clients and project teams, she helps shape ambitious, site-responsive outcomes while maintaining a focus on artistic integrity and the broader project context.
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CURATORIAL ADVISORY
Independent perspective.
Providing targeted curatorial advice to artists, organisations, government and project teams seeking specialist insight, a fresh perspective or guidance on a particular opportunity or challenge.
Engagements may include strategic conversations, concept and proposal reviews, artist mentoring, project assessments, workshops or advice at key decision points.
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PROJECT CURATOR
Specialist expertise within your project team.
Ruth works alongside established teams to provide dedicated curatorial expertise during specific project stages or over an agreed period.
This may include curatorial research, strategy development, artist engagement, commissioning processes, concept development or design reviews, defined project management responsibilities, tailored to complement the wider project team.
Work with Art Common
Whether you're developing a new public art opportunity, seeking an independent curatorial perspective or looking for specialist expertise within an established project team, a conversation is welcomed.