Projects
We have worked with museums, commercial galleries, digital platforms and other types of organisation in Europe, Asia and the US. Read about some of our recent projects below.
Toledo Museum of Art, Ohio
Toledo Museum of Art, Ohio, engaged Marks|Calil for a multi-year project (ongoing) to assist the museum in defining its global position and strategically building its international networks. We advise the director on how to assert its messaging in specific international contexts; on the structure and direction of a new international benefactor group; and on prospective partnerships with institutions and individuals outside the US.
Office for Contemporary Art – Norway
A year-long engagement to devise a new long-term strategy and identify priorities for international positioning and outreach. Collaborating with the director, and with a wide range of stakeholder input, we developed a 6-year strategic plan for OCA and tactics for implementation – including refreshed messaging, targeted international networking, profile-building for the director and a period of advisory support for the organisation’s head of communications.
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Marks|Calil worked with the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., on a six-month project to review the Gallery’s content strategy and delivery. Working closely with the director’s office, we evaluated structures, processes and strategic objectives for producing National Gallery content. This project resulted in a series of recommendations to the National Gallery on rationalising its content teams and developing and implementing skills and processes.
Wallpaper*
A 6-month research project to understand global attitudes and behaviours of Gen Z in relation to the arts, as scoping for a major international initiative to broaden pathways for access. Outcomes included a report on Gen Z engagement; and viable proposals for competitions and awards to celebrate their participation in the arts.
Artangel, London
Working closely with its new director, Marks|Calil undertook a review of Artangel’s development strategy. This involved consultation with its board and supporters to assess existing tiers of giving, as well as prospecting and engagement processes and strategies. Outcomes included new versions of the director’s statement, recommendations for benefactor growth and retention, and reimagined structures for the individual giving scheme. We also made introductions to new prospects and potential partners.
Frieze Masters, London
Guest-editing Frieze Masters Magazine in 2024, with a brief to create high-quality content to encapsulate the historical and geographical breadth of the fair.
Ben Hunter Gallery, London
A longstanding relationship to support the gallery’s leadership with strategy and decision-making. Ben Hunter Gallery has engaged Marks|Calil to advise on business development and positioning; on focusing the narratives for the gallery and its programme; and on its objectives and planning for a major expansion of its premises.
Executive Coaching – May Calil
As a qualified coach, May Calil combines deep insight with acuity to help creative leaders and organisations clarify vision, stretch their influence, and take action. With her strategic clarity, sensitivity to relationships and outcome-focused approach, May is well placed to help you move from possibility to sustainable change. To arrange a free initial consultation about coaching, please contact may@markscalil.com.
Ibraaz, London
In advance of opening its a new space in London, Ibraaz engaged Marks|Calil to advise on its governance structure and related policies. Outputs included proposed governance models; draft mandates and terms of reference for trustees; recommendations on risk assessment and management; and a draft fundraising and partnerships policy for the organisation.
New York-based Gallery
A prominent gallery in New York engaged Marks|Calil for a year to advise on its European strategy, including its art-fair participation, possible gallery spaces in London or Paris, its artist roster and institutional relationships. We conducted a perception audit and researched specific market opportunities, which directly informed decision-making by the gallery’s leadership. We introduced a number of leading European artists to the gallery and made targeted institutional introductions across Europe for selected US-based artists.
Selected Clients
Artangel
Avant Arte
Ben Hunter Gallery
Benjamin Franklin House
Campbell Art Advisory
Cooke Latham
Cooking Sections
Frestonian Gallery
Frieze Masters
Gallery Artbeat
Gathering
Gazelli Art House
Ibraaz
John Swarbrooke Fine Art
Liang Yi Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Nottingham Contemporary
Office for Contemporary Art – Norway
Spitalfields Historic Buildings Trust
TAFEFA
The Art Newspaper
Tiwani Contemporary
Toledo Museum of Art
Ward Moretti
Wallpaper*
Please contact us if you’d like to discuss how we can support your organisation or business.