As the team began reviewing the existing infrastructure, it became evident that the permanent rigging points had never been formally load tested, and the available documentation did not provide the clarity needed for a project of this scale. Rather than viewing this as a setback, Hewshott saw it as a chance to strengthen the museum’s technical foundation and ensure long‑term safety and confidence in the Forum’s overhead systems.

To address this, Hewshott coordinated and oversaw a full static load test in accordance with ANSI E1.56‑2018 Rigging Support Points, the industry standard for verifying the integrity of overhead rigging systems. Working closely with structural engineers and the museum team, we ensured the testing process was executed safely, accurately, and with minimal disruption to the venue. Following the test, Hewshott produced a comprehensive engineering report documenting the results and confirming the working load limits of each rigging point.

With this critical information established, the exhibit could be designed and installed with confidence. The validated rigging points provided a safe foundation for the suspended elements of filmmaker and artist, Isaac Julien’s, installation. This enabled the museum to move forward with a visually striking and structurally sound exhibit. The project not only supported the successful execution of this artwork but also provided the museum with verified rigging data that will benefit future installations in the Forum for years to come