Nearness
By Sam Smith
Leading delivery of a compelling site-specific commission exploring boundless interconnection through film and augmented reality.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
CLIENT: Stourhead, Wiltshire / National Trust
ROLE: Project Manager / Creative Producer
TIMELINE: 2018
PROJECT TYPE: art commissioning / film / augmented reality
Outcomes and achievements
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![A digital tablet shows an augmented reality experience showing sections of a tree inside the Pantheon.]()
Stourhead's first AR experience
Delivered Stourhead's first augmented reality installation, pioneering new forms of digital engagement in a historic setting.
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![An aerial-view of the Pantheon at Stourhead.]()
60,000 visitors
Nearness welcomed over 60,000 visitors during its 4 month exhibition at Stourhead.
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![A screen showing three distinct images sits atop the desk in Stourhead library.]()
Triptych film installation
Successfully installed contemporary triptych film in the library, one of Stourhead's most sensitive heritage spaces.
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![A computer screen shows a digital rendering of a log.]()
Innovative change request approved
Secured sponsor approval a radical change in the delivery plan, successfully developing an AR component in just six weeks before launch.
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![A woman walks down a tree-lined path alight with autumn colour.]()
Multi-layered visitor experience
Created connected experience across library, pantheon, and landscape through film, AR, and self-led mindful walk.
THE BRIEF
How do you commission contemporary art that encourages visitors to see a historic property and its collection from a new perspective - while navigating the technical and conservation constraints of sensitive heritage spaces?
Nearness, by artist Sam Smith, was the second commission in a three-year series under the Trust New Art national programme, and would occupy two of Stourhead's most protected spaces: the library and the pantheon.
Just six weeks before launch, Sam proposed adding an augmented reality component: a first for both his practice and for Stourhead. The team needed to deliver this ambitious new form of engagement to the highest quality standard within a tight timescale and limited budget.
CAMILLA’S APPROACH
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
I project managed the commission and acted as main point of contact for the artist. I supported Sam through creative development, facilitating connections with National Trust stakeholders including curators, conservators, gardeners, and volunteers.
NAVIGATING CHANGE
When Sam proposed the augmented reality addition six weeks before launch, I researched best practice examples from across the heritage sector, to develop a new delivery plan. This clearly outlined changes to required budget, timescale, technical specifications, interpretation, security, and volunteer support, which was approved by the General Manager.
NEGOTIATING INSTALLATION
I instigated curatorial discussions to negotiate the boundaries of technical installation in the library and pantheon, balancing artistic ambition with conservation requirements.
EXHIBITION DESIGN
I led on exhibition design, working with the artist and graphic designers to develop a suite of layered interpretation that made the technology easy to access and understand.
