Announcing our first partner: internationally acclaimed public art creators UAP.
Deborah McCormick Consulting (DMC) is very excited to announce its first public art delivery partner is UAP (Urban Art Projects).
This partnership will bring the international art powerhouse to Aotearoa New Zealand as part of a complete bespoke public art delivery service.
Together, we will deliver every aspect of large-scale public art projects from master planning, artist and artwork selection, design assist, budgeting, project management and commissioning, to manufacture and installation.
UAP has built massive and award-winning public sculptures in major cities around the world including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, being active in Australia for the past three decades, plus New York, Shanghai, Los Angeles, and Abu Dhabi. In 2019 UAP acquired the 60-year old foundry, Polich Tallix in the USA, making UAP one of the most significant art foundries in the world.
“I’m passionate about taking art into context outside of gallery spaces, where people can get exposure to public art,” says DMC director Deborah McCormick.
“When the invitation came up to partner with UAP, I knew this was an unmissable opportunity to shape the public art landscape in Aotearoa.”
The aim of the partnership is to deliver inspiring culturally significant large-scale installations on time and on budget, McCormick says.
Projects will span art, architecture, design, environments, and everything in between – permanent and temporary.
“I think this is really a great opportunity for councils, festivals, businesses, developers and even private collectors to commission world-class public art installations,” McCormick says.
“I’m immensely proud to be working with UAP to establish a strong public art presence here in Aotearoa New Zealand and believe public art is the keystone to a vibrant, thriving city.
“I’m excited by the capacity, and capability-building that UAP can add to career development for New Zealand artists bringing their unique cultural narratives to life.
“Through this new partnership, we will work with our clients to take extraordinary art into public and private spaces.”
“UAP is proud to partner with DMC to bring together two passionate leaders in the field to further support the incredible public art scene in Aotearoa.’’
‘’UAP has been honoured to support the realisation of significant works in Aotearoa in recent years including but not limited to: Guide Kaiārahi by Reuben Paterson in collaboration with Edmiston Trust and Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmiki; Koro by Reuben Paterson in collaboration with City Gallery Wellington; and Boy Walking by Ronnie Von Hout, in collaboration with the Auckland Council. “
‘’Working in partnership with Deborah McCormick, brings an exciting opportunity for UAP to engage with an absolute trail blazer in the Aotearoa art scene and we are thrilled to bring our collective experience, with over 50 years curating and delivering large-scale outdoor artworks locally and globally, to the market.’’
‘’UAP and DMC have a shared DNA and passion in curating places and delivering high quality public artworks for all to enjoy, from temporary installations to longstanding and much-loved permanent works that become the fabric of our cities and community spaces’’
Natasha Smith, Director Curatorial UAP
Who is UAP?
UAP believes that incredible things don’t just happen; they’re created, nurtured, believed in. Arts, culture, and creativity have always played a vital role in bringing people together. UAP continues this tradition with an enduring belief that creativity can inspire incredible possibilities.
Established in 1993 by brothers Matt and Dan Tobin, their modest Brisbane practice has evolved into a global art and design consultancy and workshop. Its network comprises three key studios and facilities in New York, Brisbane, and Shanghai, and seven worldwide satellite offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Singapore, Sydney, and Riyadh. From the design studio to the factory floor, UAP works across all aspects of the creative process, from commissioning and curatorial services, concept development, and design assistance to engineering, foundry, fabrication, and installation. Its diverse team of creative specialists, curators, strategists, and practitioners share an enduring vision for the future with an ingrained culture of collaboration. By pairing exceptional strategies and manufacturing capabilities with the team’s unrivalled dedication to excellence, UAP ensures that our generation creates timeless and relevant objects, ideas, and places that will inspire and connect people for generations to come. As a company, this is the common ground on which it moves forward.
UAP has serviced globally renowned artists including Nicole Eisenman, Sanford Biggers, Lindy Lee, Sarah Sze, Maya Lin, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Florentijn Hofman, Kehinde Wiley, Ai Weiwei, Idris Khan, Joel Shapiro, Jeff Koons, Emily Floyd, Reko Rennie, Sui Jianggou, Arnaud Lapierre, Judy Watson, Reuben Paterson amongst others. UAP has also delivered projects for SHoP Architects, Kohn Pedersen Fox, Tishman Speyer, Hines, SL Green, and Zaha Hadid Architects.
