An active event exploring how meaningful gatherings can harvest conversations and connections that matter. The art world can sometimes feel like events factory - content is not in short supply but how do we harness our spaces and networks as ‘containers’ for the right conversations and outcomes.
Pitzhanger Manor is a 15 minute tube from Bond Street. Members can arrive from 5pm to explore the manor and galleries. On view will be Grayson Perry: The Vanity of Small Differences.
Speakers:
Megan Leckie, Development Advisor and Engagement Strategist, Arts & Culture
Olivia Highland, Senior Consultant at Achates
Fiona Leahy, Founder of Fiona Leahy Designs
Moderated by journalist Kate Spicer
Please RSVP using the form below:
Photography will be taken at the event. Please note that by entering the event site, you agree to be filmed or photographed, which may be used for marketing or promotional purposes.
Pitzhanger Manor is a place where heritage and contemporary art meet. As Sir John Soane’s country retreat, with an art collection influenced by his wife Eliza, it was built for entertaining - a hosted home
Sir John Soane was one of the most influential architects in British history. Having designed many extraordinary buildings, Pitzhanger is unique because it was designed, built and lived in by Soane himself.
Pitzhanger is a forum for creativity, debate and participation, reanimating Sir John Soane’s vision to inspire and enrich communities with art, architecture and design. Pitzhanger Manor House and Gallery opened as a heritage attraction in 1987, showing contemporary art exhibitions from 1996.
Megan Leckie - With 18 years of experience in the art and culture industry, Megan holds an international network of key players in the art world from galleries and institutions to collectors, advisors and artists. Megan has extensive knowledge of corporate, commercial and institutional business models across varying art markets and art scenes. Megan excels in strategic thinking, engagement, communication and people management.
Originally from Scotland, Megan spent eight years in Shanghai working for an international art gallery as Director during a time of significant development and expansion of the art market in China. Following her time in China, Megan joined Art Basel as their Regional Head of VIP Relations Asia, based in Hong Kong where she was a conduit between East and West, fostering relationships and initiating key client development opportunities across countries and industries. Most recently Megan was the Director of VIP Relations for Frieze Fairs globally, based in London. Megan developed her network further across the Americas and Europe and was able to navigate international brands with astute communication skills and deep knowledge of associated cultural etiquettes. Megan continues to focus on cultivating and engaging key clients with programmes and projects that exceed their expectations.
Olivia Highland is a Senior Consultant at Achates, a leading cultural consultancy. She works across both the Development and Recruitment and Organisational Change division, supporting organisations to unlock new and wider sources of funding, and identify creative leaders to drive the sector forward. Before joining Achates, she was the Co-Director of Development at The Old Vic. She developed and lead The Old Vic's fundraising strategy to deliver ambitious revenue and capital fundraising targets, and building sustainable, long- term growth in philanthropic and corporate support.
Kate Spicer is a lifestyle journalist who has written for the Sunday Times, The Times, Daily Telegraph, Financial Times, Daily Mail, Evening Standard, Vogue, Elle, Red and Noble Rot magazines. She appeared on television in everything from Master Chef to Newsnight. She has made three acclaimed documentaries in the last ten years all of which still air internationally, including most recently Mission to Lars, described as ‘beautiful’ by the New York Times. Lost Dog: A Love Story was a Sunday Times bestseller in 2019.