About
Marks|Calil is a strategic consultancy for the art and culture sectors that was founded by Thomas Marks and May Calil in 2022.
We work with directors, senior leaders and founders around the world to create intelligent opportunities for their organisations and businesses.
Whether you’re looking to clarify strategy, implement change or strengthen your networks, we’re here to help and get things done. We’re thoughtful connectors, effective communicators and have a track record of developing meaningful, imaginative projects and partnerships. We believe in purposeful relationships built on empathy and integrity.
About May and Thomas
May Calil and Tom Marks studied together at the University of Cambridge, where they read History of Art and English respectively. Over the past decade, while pursuing successful careers in the arts, they have developed a strong working relationship based on mutual respect and friendship.
May and Tom share a deep commitment to the value of art and culture, and to the people, organisations and institutions that sustain creative endeavours. Both are active in governance roles – May as Chair of the Chisenhale Gallery, London, Tom on the board of Art UK – and are sensitive to the challenges facing arts organisations and their aspirations to ensure sustainable, inclusive futures. It is that outlook which prompted them to found Marks|Calil.
May Calil in
May is a respected global connector in the arts, working across the not-for-profit and commercial sectors. As Membership Director of Cromwell Place from 2017–22, she led the launch of a highly innovative exhibition and working space in central London, stewarding this ambitious new organisation from concept to launch. She shaped and delivered the strategy whereby Cromwell Place provides meaningful support to not-for-profit organisations.
In the early part of her career, May worked as a fundraiser for creative organisations, and particularly arts institutions, working in development roles at both the Royal Academy of Arts and Tate. In 2011, she set up May Calil Consultants, providing strategic business expertise on change management, staff and board development, and revenue diversification to a wide range of clients.
Thomas Marks in
Tom is an authoritative communicator in the art and museum sectors, most notably as the Editor of Apollo from 2013–21. In that role he expanded the reach and remit of the magazine, launching an online platform to publish daily content and establishing the Apollo 40 Under 40 initiative to celebrate innovation in the arts. During his editorship he developed the annual Apollo Awards into a global benchmark of excellence in the museum world.
Tom is widely respected as a speaker and moderator. He frequently participates in events about issues facing museums or the art market, as well as about historical and contemporary art.
Please contact us if you’d like to discuss how we can support your organisation or business.