Why You Need an Art Consultancy for
Public Art Commissions

Public art plays a crucial role in shaping the identity of a city, fostering community engagement, and celebrating cultural heritage. However, executing a successful public art commission is a complex process that requires expertise in curation, project management, and stakeholder coordination. This is where art consultancy comes in.

The Importance of Art Consultancy in Public Art Commissions

1. Strategic Curation & Concept Development

Public artworks should be both aesthetically compelling and culturally meaningful. Art consultants work closely with urban planners, government bodies, and corporate clients to ensure that the artwork aligns with the location’s identity and narrative.

For example, SMRT’s public art murals at Somerset, Dhoby Ghaut, and Tiong Bahru stations, executed in collaboration with Asia Art Collective, were designed to reflect Singapore’s evolving urban landscape while engaging the public through visual storytelling.

Dhoby Ghaut

2. Artist Selection & Commissioning

Choosing the right artist for a public art commission is critical. Art consultancies curate and manage artists with the right expertise and artistic style to execute large-scale murals, sculptures, or installations.

One notable project is SMRT’s 35th Anniversary Comic Connect Project, where Asia Art Collective played a key role in selecting and managing artists to produce four murals across Somerset, Tiong Bahru, Dhoby Ghaut, and Lakeside stations, bringing heritage-inspired storytelling to the public transport network.

Tiong Bahru

3. Project Management & Logistics

Public art commissions involve extensive planning, from securing permits and approvals to coordinating with engineers, developers, and transport authorities. Art consultants oversee the entire process, ensuring smooth execution within budget and timeline constraints.

Asia Art Collective’s experience in large-scale urban projects ensures that artworks are seamlessly integrated into the environment while addressing practical considerations such as durability and safety.

4. Community Engagement & Public Relations

Public art is most impactful when it resonates with the people who experience it daily. A professional art consultancy facilitates community engagement through workshops, artist talks, and media campaigns to maximize public interaction with the artwork.

For instance, the SMRT Comic Connect Project aimed to create an immersive experience for commuters by using murals to depict Singapore’s rich transport history, encouraging nostalgia and public appreciation.

Somerset

5. Long-Term Maintenance & Preservation

Public artworks are exposed to weather conditions, pollution, and wear over time. A good art consultancy ensures that artworks are created with sustainable materials and provides recommendations for conservation and restoration to preserve their impact for future generations.

Why Choose Asia Art Collective for Public Art Commissions?

Asia Art Collective has an established reputation for curating, commissioning, and managing large-scale public art projects. With a deep understanding of Singapore’s cultural landscape, our expertise ensures that artworks are not only visually striking but also meaningful, durable, and well-integrated into their environments.

Our Experience in Public Art Commissions:

  • SMRT – Somerset Mural (2023)
  • SMRT – Dhoby Ghaut Mural (2024)
  • SMRT – Tiong Bahru Mural (2023)
  • SMRT Comic Connect Project (2023) – Featuring murals across 35 train stations and bus interchanges to celebrate SMRT’s 35-year legacy.

What Sets Asia Art Collective Apart?

Partner with Us for Your Next Public Art Commission

If you’re planning a public art commission, let Asia Art Collective bring your vision to life. With our expertise in curation, artist commissioning, and project execution, we ensure that your public artwork leaves a lasting impression.

📩 Contact us today to discuss your next project!

About Asia Art Collective:

Asia Art Collective was established in 2013. We strive to provide high-quality services in the fields of art consultancy, art marketing, art collecting, publishing, as well as to represent artists, commissioning artworks and provide professional art courses.

Asia Art Collective has organised over 50 visual art exhibitions and events, promoting artists from all over the world, representing artists with strong artistic skills and distinct personal style. Artworks are also professionally curated by Asia Art Collective consultants based on technique and style.

  1. Art collection – advising individuals, companies and organisations on acquisition based on various budgets and collecting timeline and building an art collection representative of heritage and legacy
  2. Art commissioning and interior design – assisting in artist commission projects and re-design and planning of your interior spaces

Our Professional Services:

  1. Art collection – advising individuals, companies and organisations on acquisition based on various budgets and collecting timeline and building an art collection representative of heritage and legacy
  2. Art commissioning and interior design – assisting in artist commission projects and re-design and planning of your interior spaces
  3. Art valuation – providing valuation on your current artworks
  4. Art brokerage – assisting and advising, and undertaking secondary sales for your artworks
  5. Art restoration – assisting in checking condition, and arranging for restoration
  6. Art exhibition planning & curation – curating and organising art exhibition, art events or projects for branding, cultural immersion and advocacy, through new artist collaborations or with existing art collection

Contact us:

Foundation In Digital Art

Embark on a captivating journey into the vibrant world of digital art! Our Foundation in Digital Art workshop invites budding creatives aged nine and above to unleash their imagination and hone their artistic skills in a dynamic, supportive environment. From mastering basic digital tools to crafting mesmerizing digital masterpieces, children will explore a spectrum of techniques guided by seasoned mentors. Through hands-on activities and interactive sessions, participants will discover the endless possibilities of digital expression while fostering creativity and critical thinking. Join us for an exhilarating adventure where young artists transform ideas into stunning visual realities, igniting a passion for digital art

Colour & Texture Exploration With Acrylic Painting & Collage

Prepare to unleash your inner artist in a kaleidoscope of color and creativity with ‘Colour Blast: Acrylic Painting & Collage Techniques’! Dive into a whirlwind adventure where vibrant hues and mesmerizing textures collide in a symphony of imagination. From mastering the art of seamless color blending to discovering the magic of mixed media collage, this journey is a playground for your artistic soul. With each brushstroke, explore new techniques that breathe life into your canvas, transforming it into a vibrant tapestry of expression. Join us and let your creativity run wild as you embark on this colorful escapade!”

World of Manga [Foundation & Styling]

A manga art workshop for children and teenagers sounds like a fantastic idea! Here’s how you might structure it:
Introduction to Manga: Begin by introducing what manga is, its history, and its influence on popular culture worldwide. Show examples of different manga styles and genres to give participants an overview.
Basic Drawing Techniques: Start with the fundamentals of drawing, such as line work, shapes, and proportions. Provide step-by-step instructions on how to draw basic manga characters, focusing on simple shapes that can be built upon.
Character Design: Move on to character design concepts, including creating unique characters, designing their personalities, and developing backstories. Encourage participants to get creative and think outside the box.
Expression and Emotion: Teach how to convey emotions and expressions through facial expressions, body language, and positioning of characters. This can be a fun and interactive exercise where participants practice drawing various emotions.
Storytelling and Paneling: Explore the basics of storytelling in manga, including paneling techniques, pacing, and layout. Show examples of different panel structures and discuss how they affect the flow of the story.
Inking and Coloring: Introduce participants to inking techniques using pens or markers. You can also cover digital inking for those interested. Then, demonstrate basic coloring techniques using markers, colored pencils, or digital software.
Feedback and Collaboration: Provide opportunities for participants to share their work and receive feedback from their peers and instructors. Encourage collaboration by having them work together on short manga projects or collaborative drawings.
Final Showcase: End the workshop with a showcase of participants’ work. This could be in the form of an exhibition, digital gallery, or printed booklet. Celebrate everyone’s creativity and progress throughout the workshop.
Remember to create a supportive and encouraging environment where participants feel free to express themselves and explore their creativity. And don’t forget to have fun! Manga is all about imagination and passion, so let that spirit shine through in your workshop.

Academy Drawing Traditions

The academy drawing and sketching tradition, rooted in centuries of artistic practice, emphasizes disciplined study of form, proportion, and technique. Originating from Renaissance workshops and formalized by institutions like the Royal Academy, it prioritizes meticulous observation and mastery of fundamental skills. Students progress from basic exercises to complex compositions, learning to depict still life and common objects with precision and expression. This tradition values both classical principles and innovation, encouraging artists to push boundaries while maintaining a deep respect for tradition. Through rigorous training and critique, artists within this tradition cultivate a strong foundation for creative exploration and artistic excellence.

Chinese Ink Painting and Calligraphy

This course on Chinese ink painting and calligraphy introduces young learners to the rich traditions of Chinese art. Through hands-on activities, students explore the basics of brush techniques, ink control, and the delicate art of Chinese script. They learn to appreciate the cultural significance of calligraphy and painting, developing skills in creating elegant strokes and expressive brushwork. The course fosters creativity, patience, and fine motor skills, while also providing insights into Chinese history and aesthetics. By the end, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and a deeper understanding of Chinese cultural heritage.

Funk with Graffiti

Funk With Graffiti Workshop for children is an engaging and creative program aimed at introducing young artists to the vibrant world of graffiti and funk-inspired street style art. Participants learn the basics of graffiti history, techniques, and safety. Guided by professional graffiti artists, children explore the art of designing their unique tags, emphasizing creativity, expression, and individuality. The workshop includes hands-on activities, from sketching concepts to creating final designs with spray paint on provided surfaces. By the end of the session, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and an appreciation for graffiti and funk as legitimate forms of street art. Each child completes two original artworks, which they proudly take home, showcasing their newfound skills and personal style.

Batik Tales

In the Batik Introduction Handkerchief Painting workshop, participants will learn the traditional art of batik, a wax-resist dyeing technique originating from Indonesia. The workshop begins with a brief history and overview of batik, highlighting its cultural significance and various techniques. Participants will then observe a demonstration of applying wax with tjanting tools and dyeing the fabric. Following the demonstration, each participant will design and create their own batik handkerchief, applying wax to create patterns and then dyeing their fabric. The workshop concludes with a group discussion, allowing participants to share their creations and reflect on their learning experience.