The For Arts Sake Podcast

Kiah M. Sandler
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Visual Arts
  • Updated Monthly

Join art historian and curator Kiah M. Sandler as she interviews her growing international network of creatives. Listen to conversations about how these thought-leaders balance their motivations, artistry and identities all whilst navigating their respective fields.

Episodes

  1. Reimagining Engagement Culture | Anh Nguyen - Episode 5

    5d ago

    Reimagining Engagement Culture | Anh Nguyen - Episode 5

    Ever wondered how galleries and museums can actually stay relevant? Or how art can be accessible to everyone, not just the people who already know how to navigate the institutional world? This conversation is for you. Meet Anh Nguyen - Founder & CEO of Nimi Collective, a strategy platform transforming how museums diversify revenue and engage audiences. She's also a Trustee of the Institute of International Visual Arts (Iniva), an organization dedicated to nurturing Black and Global Majority artists. Anh left a career in private equity to build something that's now connecting over 1,000 members with institutions like the Tate and National Gallery through curated events that actually make people want to show up. In this episode, we talk about her unexpected pivot from finance to the arts, how that business background uniquely positions her to solve some of the cultural sector's biggest challenges. We get into the philosophy that changed everything: "Engagement and revenue are two sides of the same coin." We discuss what needs to change in the art world, her work with Iniva championing underrepresented artists, and what makes Nimi's Secret Salons and Gallery Strolls so special–why people keep coming back. Plus: she shares what excites her about the future of art and culture, and how institutions can build more inclusive, sustainable models that work for everyone. Learn more about Nimi Collective here: https://nimi.live/ Follow Nimi Collective and Anh Nguyen on the following platforms: Nimi – IG: @nimi_collective Tiktok: @nimi.collective Anh Nguyen – IG: @anyunwin Tiktok: @anyunwin_ Podcast Chapters: [00:00] - Intro: Introduction to Anh Nguyen and her journey from private equity to building Nimi [02:46] - Chapter 1: From Finance to Arts—How her private equity background informs her approach to democratizing art and culture [7:34] - Chapter 2: Iniva & Challenging Inequities—Her role as Trustee and what needs to change in the art world for Black and Global Majority artists [15:05] - Chapter 3: The Birth of Nimi—Building a platform for 1000+ members and identifying the target audience beyond traditional art collectors [22:28] - Chapter 4: Nimi Socials—What makes Secret Salons and Gallery Strolls unique and why people keep coming back to these spaces [28:30] - Chapter 5: "Engagement & Revenue Are Two Sides of the Same Coin"- Unpacking the philosophy that transformed her business model and the arts sector [41:50] - Chapter 6: The Future of Nimi & the Art World—Exciting developments and her vision for accessible, democratized art

    49 min
  2. Building A Collection Rooted in Heritage | Tunji Akintokun - Episode 4

    May 30

    Building A Collection Rooted in Heritage | Tunji Akintokun - Episode 4

    From athlete to scientist to business leader to art collector—Tunji Akintokun's career defies categories. Tunji Akintokun is the Senior Director at LinkedIn UK & Ireland and a prominent collector of African Modern and Contemporary art. He's also the founder of the Ilesha Charitable Trust, an MBE recipient, and a former top junior athlete who carried the Olympic torch in 2016. Tunji's journey into collecting didn't follow a traditional path. In this episode, we talk about what accessibility in the art world means to him, the early mentorship that put collecting on his radar, and how he's built a collection rooted in his Nigerian heritage and the broader African diaspora. We also dive into the Ilesha Charitable Trust, which he established to honor his parents' legacy—supporting young people from ethnic minorities in STEM, sport, and social mobility. This is a conversation about intention, legacy, and making space where there wasn't any before. Learn more about the Ilesha Charitable Trust: https://www.ilesha.com/ Check out his Instagram: / tunji_akintokun Podcast Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: Meet Tunji Akintokun — collector, philanthropist, and creative force 00:27 - Chapter 1: Creating Space: What accessibility means to Tunji and how he found his place in the art world 03:45 - Chapter 2: The Advice That Changed Everything: The mentor whose words planted the seed of collecting — and how it all began 07:10 - Chapter 3: The Ilesha Charitable Trust: Honouring his parents' legacy through philanthropy in science, technology, sport, and social mobility 15:10 - Chapter 4: Why Black Art Matters: What it means to collect African and Diaspora art as someone with Nigerian heritage 19:32 - Chapter 5: Inside the Collection: A recent acquisition, the story behind it, and what it means to Tunji

    28 min
  3. Done Is Better Than Perfect | Alexandra Steinacker-Clark - Episode 3

    Apr 26

    Done Is Better Than Perfect | Alexandra Steinacker-Clark - Episode 3

    Ever wondered how to actually build a career in the arts, or whether art school is worth it? This conversation is for you. Meet Alexandra Steinacker-Clark—art historian, podcaster, and author of Working In Art: How to Build a Career in the Art World. Alexandra has worked across galleries, auction houses, and academia, and somehow turned starting a podcast into building a career-defining brand. In this episode, we talk about her journey into the Arts and into launching 'All About Art'—a podcast now streamed in over 115 countries that's opened doors for early career arts professionals worldwide. We get into the practicalities: what from her art education actually mattered, what didn't, and why she felt compelled to write a book demystifying the art world. We also discuss her favorite lessons from five years of interviews, dream guests she's yet to book, and whether London will always be home or if another art scene is calling her name. Get your copy of ‘Working in Art’ today! Use this link: https://www.alexandrasteinacker.com/book?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio You can also keep up with Alexandra on the following sites - Website: https://www.alexandrasteinacker.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandrasteinacker?igsh=MWdnbm95ZGIyYWhhcA== Stream the ‘All About Art’ Podcast: https://tr.ee/JBX9ixh_IY Podcast Chapters: 00:00 -Intro: Introduction to Alexandra Steinacker-Clark and the episode 00:56 - Chapter 1: Discovering Art : How Alex discovered her love of art and whether her younger self would recognise her career today 04:50 - Chapter 2: Art Education & Takeaways: Reflections on her BA from UCL and MA from Goldsmiths—what was valuable and what wasn't 16:20 - Chapter 3: From Podcast to Brand and Mentorship: Building 'All About Art' and creating opportunities for early career arts professionals. : Standout lessons from 'All About Art' podcast guests and dream interviews still on the list 34:52 - Chapter 4: Writing 'Working In Art': The motivation behind writing a practical guide to careers in the art world 42:46 - Chapter 5: What's Next?: Standout lessons from 'All About Art' podcast guests and dream interviews still on the list 46:00 - Chapter 6: London & Beyond: Life in London's art scene and whether other cities are calling

    51 min
  4. It’s Not Fantasy, It’s Just Unseen | Bunmi Agusto - Episode 2

    Mar 29

    It’s Not Fantasy, It’s Just Unseen | Bunmi Agusto - Episode 2

    Meet Bunmi Agusto - Artist, Writer, Curator, and World-Builder. In this episode, we dive into Bunmi's paracosm, 'Within,' a fantasy world informed by her upbringing in Lagos, Nigeria, and her Yoruba, Edo, and Afro-Brazilian heritage. We talk about the dangers of labeling Black artists, the cost of 'othering' in contemporary art, and how Bunmi navigates creating authentic work in an industry obsessed with categorisation. From her alter ego 'Ò' to her thoughts on formal art education, (she holds degrees from Oxford, SOAS, and Central Saint Martins) this conversation is about identity, creativity, and carving out space for yourself in the art world. If you've ever questioned whether art education is worth it, struggled with external pressures to create for a particular audience, or wondered how artists build entire worlds from their lived experiences - this one's for you. You can find Bunmi Agusto on the following sites - Website: https://www.bunmiagusto.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bunmiagusto/ Substack: https://bunmiagusto.substack.com/ Podcast Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: Introduction to Bunmi Agusto and the episode 01:17 - Chapter 1: Heritage & Identity - Bunmi discusses her intersectional upbringing in Edo and Yoruba Nigerian culture and how it influences her creativity 05:26 - Chapter 2: Creating 'Within' - The process behind Bunmi's paracosm 'Within' and how she transforms real-life observations into fantasy 14:25 - Chapter 3: Beyond Labels - The limiting nature of categorising Black artists and the dangers of 'othering' in contemporary art discourse 22:06 - Chapter 4: Meet 'Ò' - Discovering her alter ego and the inspiration behind 'Tales by Moonlight' at Tiwani Contemporary 27:50 -Chapter 5: Creating for Audience vs. Self - Navigating authentic representation and external pressures in art-making 31:54 - Chapter 6: Art Education & Advice - Insights on pursuing formal art education and what aspiring artists should consider

    39 min
  5. Art Should Be As Accessible As Food | Kate Bryan - Episode 1

    Mar 1

    Art Should Be As Accessible As Food | Kate Bryan - Episode 1

    Meet Kate Bryan - Art Historian, Curator, Broadcaster & Author. Kate believes the art world should fling its doors wide open. As Chief Art Director of the Soho House Art Collection (10,000+ works across 16 countries), longtime judge on Portrait Artist of the Year, and author of the book "How to Art," Kate has spent 20 years making art more accessible and inclusive. In this episode, she shares how she sources art for an international collection, what emerging artists need to know to get noticed, and how to overcome "collective art anxiety." Plus: essential advice for women pursuing leadership roles in the arts. If you've ever felt intimidated by the art world, listen to this. Website: https://www.katebryanart.com/ BUY ‘How to Art:' https://www.waterstones.com/book/how-to-art/kate-bryan/david-shrigley/9781529154528 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katebryan_art/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@katebryanhowtoart Podcast Chapters - 00:00 - Intro: Introduction to Kate Bryan and her work in the art world 02:19 - Chapter 1: From Art History to Contemporary Curation: How Kate's institutional background in art history informs her contemporary curatorial practice 06:58 - Chapter 2: Building the Soho House Collection: The process behind sourcing and acquiring works for one of the world's largest private art collections 15:15 - Chapter 3: Getting on the Radar: Gallery-represented vs. emerging artists and what it takes to be considered for the collection 23:16 - Chapter 4: Demystifying "Collective Art Anxiety": Kate's new book How to Art and making the art world accessible to everyone 30:40 - Chapter 5: Collaborating with David Shrigley: Why David Shrigley illustrated the book and standout pieces from the collaboration 34:23 - Chapter 6: Advice for Women in the Arts: Navigating the industry and countering discouragement as a woman in leadership

    40 min
  • 5 Episodes

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Join art historian and curator Kiah M. Sandler as she interviews her growing international network of creatives. Listen to conversations about how these thought-leaders balance their motivations, artistry and identities all whilst navigating their respective fields.

Information

  • Creator
    Kiah M. Sandler
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Explicit