New Yorkshire venture puts film and photographic art to work for international business

Earlier this week a new business launched in North Yorkshire, which is set to bring a wide range of select works from iconic film and photographic artists to new places around the world.

Co-founded by Harrogate-based Sharon Price and internationally renowned photographer Peter Dench, the service aims to connect arts exhibitions and businesses and to offer ‘pre-curation’, helping artists from across the globe to build their exhibition portfolios to present previously unseen works.

Sharon and Peter have a strong track record of sourcing signature art works for private clients, as well as creating long-term value from events and business development programmes for corporate clientele.

The duo, who also advise on the selection and placement of works to deliver on a range of CSR and commercial outcomes, began working together as co-creative directors when they established an arts venue in Leeds, formulating a packed programme of sell-out visual arts events with names such as Tom Stoddart, Harry Borden, Chris Floyd and Laura Pannack.

With the launch of The Curators, they are now building on their network of sought-after artists to promote film and photography in an aesthetic sense, but also for business building and relationship development service for corporate and private clients in destinations across the globe.

The Curators work in consultation with clients to source works for premières, product launches and functions.

Sharon said: “The UK is a global arts entrepôt and net exporter, with the second largest global market, yet we know that status isn’t used enough to drive non-arts based businesses. Art gives a business personality.

“There are hundreds of companies that already see art not just as a decorative necessity, but also an opportunity to stimulate the thoughts of their employees, to support artists through purchases of their work and, perhaps most importantly, to project their desired image to clients, staff and visitors.

“But we’re only scratching the surface. We want to make hundreds, thousands. There’s no excuse for tired art on boardroom walls anymore – particularly with the care and attention paid to welcoming clients with designer floral displays in immaculate reception areas and client lobbies.”

Peter added: “The film and photographic mediums offer a reality that carries the impact of the moment, or the story that is told, rather than imagined. This combined with the human understanding and sensitivity that is required for the photographer to make the picture honest, visually striking and to then resonate creates the ‘beauty’. The story behind taking the photograph and the reputation of the photographer have all become important factors in appreciating and understanding great art.”

Nick Hill

BDAILY 8th Jan 16