Conference Partners 2024
Build Your Own Art World | 5th June 2024
This year’s conference brought together 200 women at Christie’s auction house in London for a day dedicated to connecting, sharing, and recognizing the value of supporting female cultural leadership openly and inclusively. Across ten morning talks and five afternoon workshops, we heard from 26 voices working in and outside the arts who spoke honestly, offering practical advice and hands-on training. The incredible roll-call of speakers included: Katharine Arnold, Head of Post-War and Contemporary Art for Europe at Christie’s; Koyo Kouoh, Executive Director and Chief Curator of Zeitz MOCAA; Nancy Durrant, Culture Writer, Broadcaster, Commentator, and Consultant; Salma Tuqan, Director at Nottingham Contemporary; Mariella Frostrup, Broadcaster, Journalist, and Campaigner; Tiina Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Citi UK; Anna Jones, CEO of Telegraph Media Group; Jane Boardman, Strategic Communications Advisor and former CEO of M&C Saatchi Talk; Madeleine Haddon, Curator of V&A East; Suhair Khan, Technology Entrepreneur and Creative Leader; Sophie Muir, former UK Head of Digital and Technology Coverage at Citi; Nina Pustilnik, Digital Media Executive and Co-Founder and CEO of Vividly; Sandrine Deveaux, Docent Board Member; Gemma Rolls-Bentley, Curator and Author; Artist Bex Wade; Artist Whiskey Chow; Francesca Gavin, Artistic Director of viennacontemporary and Editor-in-Chief at EPOCH; Rachel Wingfield, Artist and Founder of Soma hŌṃe; Rachel Wang, Founder of Chocolate Films; Tiffanie Darke, Editor and Communication & Brand Specialist; Louise Woof, Deputy Archivist at Fortnum & Mason; Rosie Fellner, Actress and Producer; Sukeena Rao and Harriet Quick, Co-Founders of Luminaire; Alyson Lowe, Digital Strategist and Consultant; and poet Akhera Williams.
The day was supported by invaluable contributions from organisations whose meaningful partnerships brought the day to life and ensured its success. They are as follows:
Christie’s was the Venue Partner for 2024. Katharine Arnold, Head of Post-War & Contemporary Art, Europe and AWITA Executive Committee Member, commented "Christie's is proud to be collaborating with AWITA, hosting this important convening moment for women across our industry. Inspiration and exchange of ideas is key to success in the arts and I'm excited to see what new insights this conference will bring." The team provided full support in the operations of the morning and evening drinks, ensuring the event ran smoothly from start to finish.
Christie’s is a world-leading art and luxury business with a presence in 46 countries. Renowned and trusted for their expert live and online-only auctions, as well as bespoke Private Sales, Christie’s unparalleled network of specialists offers a full portfolio of global services, including art appraisal, art financing, international real estate and education.
Christie’s have been Team Members of AWITA since November 2023.
Roche Bobois populated Christie’s with luxury furniture for the stage and lounge area. It transformed the space and created opportunities for networking and connecting. The design by Milana Milcanovska, included works by artists and designers Sacha Lakic, Joana Vasconcelos, Cédric Ragot and Chape & Mache. Roche Bobois also arranged a prize draw, offering 3 lucky attendees one of three spectacular Roche Bobois pieces. Winners to be announced.
With over 60 years of history, Roche Bobois symbolises excellence, personalisation and the fusion of creativity with European craftsmanship. Its commitment to innovation is reflected in every collaboration with renowned designers and visionaries of art and fashion, such as Joana Vasconcelos, Kenzo Takada, Jean Paul Gaultier and Missoni, creating unique pieces that are true works of functional art. Each year, Roche Bobois launches two new exclusive collections and organises an annual design competition to discover new talents, thus promoting creativity worldwide. A special acknowledgement to Villy Kamperoglou, Sales Executive at Roche Bobois and AWITA Member, who led the partnership.
Katharine Arnold, Koyo Kouoh, Sigrid Kirk, Mariella Frostrup and Katrina Aleksa
MarGin has quickly become a favourite at AWITA events. Founder Rachel Verghis, sponsored a full bar serving delicious Gin & Tonics and Gimlets at the evening celebratory drinks.
Rachel Verghis is a long-term AWITA friend and supporter, and a gin sipping enthusiast. An ex-banker and passionate contemporary art supporter, she set out to create a premium spirit to be served neat, savoured just like a smooth single malt or fine Cognac. With an interest in the history of English finance, she chanced upon the 'white fiver'—the first five-pound note issued by the Bank of England in 1793 which remained in circulation virtually unchanged for over 160 years. Inspired, Rachel set about creating her artisanal gin to reflect the history and heritage of this note. And so MarGin was born, a tipple as cool, crisp and uncomplicated as a freshly printed 'white fiver'.
Fortnum & Mason hosted a workshop in their Food & Drink Studio. A passionate red coat welcomed guests with sparkling tea and sweet canapes before Louise Woof, Deputy Archivist and Rosie Fellner, Actress & Producer, delved into the origins and brand journey of Fortnum’s, its approach to keeping tea modern and advice for artists seeking to collaborate with Fortnum’s. Harriet Quick and Sukeena Rao, co-founders of Luminaire, led a workshop on how to intuit, build and effectively use your connections to create an effective business.
Fortnum also generously provided tea during the morning refreshments at Christie’s and gift bags for all guests. This was made possible by Crispin Butler, Director Marketing and Communications, Fortnum & Mason, and Caroline Kelley, Partnerships & Events Executive. Their enthusiasm was instrumental in creating a fun, practical workshop and seamlessly integrating the quintessential Fortnum brand into the day.
First founded in London in 1707, Fortnum’s mission remains to make joy for every customer, whether they’re shopping in-store or from around the world online. It is essential for anyone seeking extraordinary food, joy-giving gifts, unforgettable experiences, and exceptional service.
Thank you to all our host workshop venues Cristea Roberts, Colnaghi Gallery, 20 King St and St James Piccadilly.
Louise Woof and Rosie Fellner
45 Park Lane was our hotel partner for 2024. The quintessential Mayfair hotel is part of The Dorchester Collection, offering exquisite suites with breathtaking Hyde Park views. 45 Park Lane is a vibrant beacon of contemporary culture. An invigorating blend of art and landmark Modernist architecture in the middle of classical London.
Le Deli Robuchon served beautiful sandwiches for each attendee. Situated next to Green Park Tube Station, the deli offers casual yet sophisticated all-day dining.
Our Support a Sister is a new initiative to buy tickets for those who may otherwise not have the opportunity to attend the conference. We are incredibly grateful to these women and organisations who supported cultural leaders working in non-profits and institutions.
To register interest in attending next year, please click here.