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 year-long project to assist the museum in strategically building its international networks. We advised the director on the structure of a new benefactor group, and developed and supported prospecting strategies. Focusing on specific global regions, we identified individuals who might join the group or otherwise further the museum’s objectives, facilitating introductions and relationship-building.

Artangel, UK

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.

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. Our research methods included interviews with numerous staff members, a staff survey, observation of meetings, and benchmarking against peer organisations. This project resulted in a series of recommendations to the National Gallery on rationalising its content teams and developing and implementing skills and processes. 

New York-based gallery

A leading 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 of the gallery and researched specific market opportunities in different territories for the client and represented artists and estates. We introduced a number of leading European artists to the gallery and made targeted institutional introductions across Europe for selected US-based artists.

London-based gallery

A London-based contemporary gallery retained Marks|Calil for a six-month period as it undertook a complete audit of its activities, seeking to draw up a five-year plan for strategic growth. We assessed the gallery’s existing business plan and staffing structure, working closely with the founder to refine the mission and vision of the gallery. We presented the client with a clear, detailed plan aligning all programming activity to business ambitions, with a refreshed set of priorities and processes focused on sustainable, targeted growth.

London-based gallery

Marks|Calil worked on institutional strategies for a selection of gallery artists, with the aim of opening up avenues to exhibition and acquisition while enhancing the gallery’s network in the museum sector. For each artist, we developed contextual, biographical and art-historical narratives and drew up a list of target institutions and curators. Marks|Calil initiated conversations and made meaningful introductions that led to acquisitions by several international museums and a solo exhibition at a museum in the UK.

Further Projects

  • Commercial galleries have engaged us to develop international strategies for institutional relationships, art fair participation and artist roster development.

  • We have developed international partnerships for museums and foundations in Europe, the US and Asia.

  • We have articulated strategic objectives and implementation plans for digital art platforms. 

  • We have supported search committees for senior leadership roles, providing independent advice on organisational needs and candidate shortlisting, and sitting on interview panels.

Please contact us if you’d like to discuss how we can support your organisation or business.