The Art Business David Bellingham

From his childhood initiation into the arts at the Academy de Beaux-Arts in Bruges, Louis Buysse has fostered a deep connection with art, design, architecture, and craftsmanship. This early start paved the way for a life steeped in creativity and a broad understanding of artistic techniques and mediums.
His educational journey, marked by a fusion of artistic and business acumen, began with an architecture-focused secondary education, followed by a degree from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts (KASK). Here, under the mentorship of notable Belgian artists like Vincent Geyskens and Narcisse Tordoir, Louis delved into fine arts and contemporary art.
Continuing to bridge his artistic passions with business savvy, Louis pursued international business studies, with a focus on digital marketing and corporate finance, at Tughai University in Taiwan. This multidisciplinary approach culminated in a Master’s in Art Business at the prestigious Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London. His dissertation on cross-collecting reflects a unique approach to art - collecting based on art history, personal identity, and intuition, resonating with Clement Greenberg's philosophy.
Louis's professional path led him to Lempertz, a family-owned auction house with deep roots in the art world, where he specialized in Modern and Contemporary Art. In 2022, he embarked on a new journey, focusing on project-based work like Triangle Knokke and offering his expertise as an art consultant to galleries and online auction houses.
His recent role as a sales director at Nosbaum Reding gallery in Brussels further illustrates his ability to connect artists with the market, as seen in his introduction of Vincent Geyskens to the Flemish art scene. Despite leaving before the 'Par Contre' exhibition launch, Louis continues to push the boundaries of art and business.
The 2024 relaunch of louisbuysse.com marks a new chapter in Louis's career, one focused on increasing market visibility and pioneering new projects. His dedication to blending artistic creativity with business insight shines through his work, as he continues to inspire and transform the art world.
 
Links:
https://www.louisbuysse.com/ 
https://www.buysse.gallery/ 
 
music
‘Baby, I Miss The Internet’ (Rama, Rama, Rama) 
by TOT TAYLOR
is used by kind permission of the artist
©Tot Taylor/Songmatic Music (2020)

Virginia Damtsa- CULTIVATING ARTISTIC FUTURES & CATALYST FOR CONTEMPORARY VISIONARIES
 
With a wealth of experience spanning twenty-seven years, Virginia Damtsa, Director of VVA VirginiaVisualArts Ltd., stands as a seasoned and respected Art Dealer, Art Gallerist, Curator, Cultural Strategist and Artist Agent, bringing a unique and invaluable perspective to the art world. Damtsa's passion for the arts began at a young age when she helped her uncle open the Museum of Alekos K. Damtsa in The Art Centre Giorgio de Chirico at just sixteen years old. She went on to pursue History of Arts in Cambridge followed by two Master's degrees in Art Management at the University of the Arts and Contemporary Art at Sotheby's, where she honed her expertise in the field. 
 
Throughout her career, Damtsa has curated several exhibitions in her personal gallery space, as well as in other galleries, temporary spaces and art fairs. From 2003-2017, she co-owned with composer and writer Tot Taylor, Riflemaker London, a contemporary art gallery housed in a historic gunmaker's workshop off Regent Street. Built in 1712, it is one of the oldest public buildings in the West End of London. 
 
In addition to her work as a gallerist and curator, Damtsa has also lectured at Christie's for the Master's degree in Art, Law, and Business. Damtsa, who co- founded iconic gallery Riflemaker, counts Nick Rhodes from Duran Duran and Michael Seresin, cinematographer of Harry Potter, amongst her collectors. Annie Lennox has also been a long- standing enthusiast of the gallery’s representation of visionary powerful artists. Virginia Damtsa has also worked with musician Peter Gabriel on an art and music project for his new album, i/o. The project features renowned artists such as Annette Messager, Olafur Eliasson, Ai Weiwei, Tim Shaw, Nick Cave, David Spriggs, Cornelia Parker, and many others. Damtsa is currently planning to tour the project in various museums.
 
With her extensive experience and impressive network of industry connections, Virginia Damtsa continues to push boundaries and expand the reach of contemporary art. 
         
Curated Exhibitions
Damtsa curated several exhibitions with emerging and established artists such as Martin Kippenberger and Maria Papadimitriou, Judy Chicago, Takis, Yoko Ono, William S. Burroughs, Liliane Lijn, Penelope Slinger, Gavin Turk, Alice Anderson, Chris Levine, Christopher Bucklow, John Maeda, Julie Verhoeven, Ralph Ziman, Conrad Shawcross, Wolfe von Lenkiewicz and many others. 
 
She also worked with legendary musician Peter Gabriel and his team for an amazing collaboration of art and music bringing artists such as Ai Weiwei, Cornelia Parker, Judy Chicago, Nick Cave, Olafur Eliasson, Tomas Saraceno, Barthelemy Toguo, Annette Messager, Tim Spriggs, for an impressive immersive exhibition live and online. The album is now number one in the UK. 
 
Virginia Damtsa is a highly respected art dealer, curator, and gallerist with a deep understanding of the art market. In 2018, she founded VirginiaVisualArts, an art agency and gallery that represents more than fifty artists and manages their careers, introducing them to new opportunities, exhibitions, museums and collectors. 
As a strategist, mentor, advisor, consultant, and PR expert, Damtsa provides artists with the support they need to break into the art market and achieve their full potential. She is deeply committed to working closely with each artist, guiding them through the art world's complexities and assisting with sales and promotions. 
In addition to her work with VirginiaVisualArts, Damtsa runs her own art school, where she teaches professionals about art history and the art market. She also provides mentorship and guidance to artists and creatives and writes about art in major financial newspapers. Her expertise has also led to numerous appearances on TV as an Art World Expert, where she shares her insights on the contemporary art world. 
 
Damtsa cur

Adam Blackwood trained as a professional actor at RADA and has over 25 years’ experience working in film, theatre and television.  In 2002 he founded Private Drama Events, the UK’s leading multi-award-winning experiential and events agency, while also overseeing the corporate theatre space for several years at The Globe Theatre with fellow RADA alumni Mark Rylance.
 
Today, Adam is one of the UK’s top creative directors and is renowned for his expertise, knowledge and passion for the arts and brings a unique understanding of how to create and develop theatrical, immersive performances. 
 
Private Drama Events provides artists and shows for some of the world’s most recognised luxury brands, corporates, charities and private clients.  Past and present clients include Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and British Pullman, Belmond Trains, Save the Children Fund, One Young World, Veuve Clicquot, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, Goldman Sachs, Prince’s Trust and numerous private clients.
 
In 2020 Private Drama Events was the Gold Winner for Best Conference at The Evcom London Live Awards for its work on the One Young World London Summit.
 
Links:
www.privatedramaevents.com   @privatedramaevents   @adamblackwood01
 
music
‘Baby, I Miss The Internet’ (Rama, Rama, Rama) 
by TOT TAYLOR
is used by kind permission of the artist
©Tot Taylor/Songmatic Music (2020)

Sharon Obuobi is a talented entrepreneur with experience in art, business and technology. She currently conducts research in data science and innovation for fintech and insurtech use cases. Her business Alt/Finance develops solutions which optimise market intelligence to improve the experience of consumers in these industries. Alt/Finance was launched at the TechCrunch Disrupt stage in San Francisco in September, and was selected for the Techstars New York accelerator.
 
In 2022, she was recently featured as a top 10 founder by the Telegraph x Natwest's initiative recognizing 100 UK female founders. She was also in Apollo Magazine's 2021 global list of 40 under 40 art tech innovators. With art business experience in New York, Lagos, and Toronto, Sharon established the Modern & Contemporary African Art business at Sotheby's. During her role, the department sold over 5 million GBP of art, and broke 25 world records for sale prices.
 
Sharon graduated with a B'Comm from Queen's University in Kingston, Canada. She has been featured on CNN, the Financial Times, Virgin Magazine, Tush Magazine Nigeria, NKA Journal, IRAAA Journal, Konbini, iPaper, and more.
 
Links:
https://www.altfndata.com/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonobuobi/ 
 
music
‘Baby, I Miss The Internet’ (Rama, Rama, Rama) 
by TOT TAYLOR
is used by kind permission of the artist
©Tot Taylor/Songmatic Music (2020)

KEYWORDS: JC GALLERY; ALTHORP HOUSE, NORTHANTS, UK; HERITAGE INDUSTRY; HOUSE MANAGER; AMERICAN MODERNISM; MODERNIST ART; GALLERY CURATION; CURATOR; GALLERIST; SPENCER FAMILY
 
Driven by a passion and speciality in American Modernism, James Ward opened JC Gallery in the heart of London’s Mayfair in 2021. JC Gallery is the first European gallery to specialise in this exceptional era of early 20th century art, focusing on exhibiting works by renowned artists including Arthur Dove, Stuart Davis, Thomas Hart Benton, John Marin, Joseph Stella, Georgia O’Keeffe and Edward Hopper.
 
Prior to founding JC Gallery, James Ward spent 15 years working for Earl Spencer at Althorp House, Northamptonshire, surrounded by Europe’s largest private art collection which includes some of the most exquisite and extensive Old Masters and 17th century works.
 
James Ward also studied art at King Alfred’s University in Winchester and later at Sotheby’s Institute of Art.
 
LINKS:
https://jc-gallery.com/ 
https://althorpestate.com/ 
@jcgallery.mayfair
music
‘Baby, I Miss The Internet’ (Rama, Rama, Rama) 
by TOT TAYLOR
is used by kind permission of the artist
©Tot Taylor/Songmatic Music (2020)
PRS/MCPS/PP

Having worked in every area of art handling & shipping since 1993, David has a wide knowledge and understanding of how his specialism interfaces with the wider art market and the related rules that govern it.  His experience working within the industry has made him well known for providing solutions to the most complex art transport and installation challenges for some of the world’s most prestigious institutions & galleries, renowned artists and collectors.
 
Link: https://www.crownfineart.com/ 
 
 
music
‘Baby, I Miss The Internet’ (Rama, Rama, Rama) 
by TOT TAYLOR
is used by kind permission of the artist
©Tot Taylor/Songmatic Music (2020)
PRS/MCPS/PP