Members Spotlight: Artiq

We chatted with Senah who is an Artist Administrator at Artiq; she shares how the agency is championing the next generation of artists and curators, what’s in their latest annual, and how impactful collaboration can truly be for the sector.

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Senah, and I work as an Artist Administrator at Artiq, an international art agency that curates bespoke collections and experiences for clients globally while ensuring fair compensation for artists. In my role, I act as a liaison between artists and the agency, blending curatorial work with administrative support. Our artists are at the heart of everything we do, and they make it all possible. My job involves onboarding new artists and offering ongoing support to both new and established artists as they navigate their artistic careers and the wider art world. In addition to my role, I also serve on our Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) committee, where I focus on researching and supporting the diverse demographics of our artist community, with a particular emphasis on amplifying voices from marginalised groups. This is a key part of ensuring that inclusivity is at the forefront of our practices and policies.

What are you currently working on?

Currently, we’re focused on dynamic projects both locally in London and internationally. We’ve just wrapped up publishing our Artiq Annual, a printed yearly publication that highlights our work, features new artists, and includes interviews with prominent figures from the art world as well as our own artists. Hot off the press, #Volume3 explores how creativity shapes not just our spaces and stories, but the systems in which we live and work. It spans art, business, and education, addressing the broken pipeline between talent and opportunity, reimagining industry pathways, redefining success, and envisioning a more inclusive and resilient future. This project was a true collaborative effort across all areas of the business. I had the privilege of contributing interviews for our “Ones to Watch” section, spotlighting graduates to keep an eye on.

What has been your organisation’s proudest achievement?

Our proudest achievement is ensuring fair pay for artists, which aligns with our clear and primary mission to bring economic viability to the cultural sector. We are committed to promoting a culture where diversity is celebrated, and where artists are compensated fairly for their work. With an expansive catalogue covering hundreds of artists, I’m incredibly proud of the vibrant community we’ve built. At every opportunity, we create platforms for artists—showcasing their work in unique spaces, commissioning projects, and encouraging clients to embrace art that challenges conventional boundaries. What we’re most proud of is our contribution to building a sustainable artist economy, especially here in London. Through our efforts, we aim to create a lasting impact on culture while supporting the financial well-being of artists.

How is your organisation working to champion EDI within your sector?

We are committed to adapting to complex landscapes and finding ways to continually advance our EDI efforts. This is reflected in our approach to local projects, where we dedicate time to researching a wider pool of artists and educating both our clients and artists on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. On a foundational level, we focus on supporting those with less access to “the art world.” Our yearly internships with organisations like 10,000 Interns Foundation help us achieve this, and we’re always seeking new ways to provide key opportunities for our artists through our community. What makes Artiq distinct is our strong sense of community, where inclusivity and kindness are championed. We recognise that being an artist, especially in a metropolitan area like London, can be challenging and often isolating. This community allows us to better support our artists and stay attuned to the specific challenges they face around inclusion and access.

What are three things you’re loving in your sector right now?

Right now, there are a few things I’m really loving in the sector. First, the sense of collectivity and community that’s emerging in response to new challenges. It’s incredible to see how people are coming together to support one another, whether through our engagements with artists or across the broader art world. Secondly, I’m really encouraged by the ongoing focus on Diversity and Inclusion. It’s great to see that the conversation is still strong, and we’re seeing tangible progress toward a more inclusive environment. Lastly, I’m always inspired by the passion and creativity that drive this sector. There’s something so energising about being around people who are deeply passionate about their work. That connection and energy fuel innovation and open doors for collaboration and new ideas. This sector is truly active and engaged – responsive and inspired.

And three things you’re not loving so much in your sector?

There are a few things in the sector that I find challenging right now; the ongoing issues of financial viability for artists remain a significant concern. The economic landscape for artists is still tough, with many struggling to make a sustainable living from their work. Second, the difficulties surrounding exposure and the inherent competitiveness of the art world continue to create barriers for emerging artists, making it harder for them to gain visibility and opportunities. Lastly, while there’s been progress in EDI, recent challenges have highlighted the need for continued efforts and collectiveness. Despite the ongoing commitment to these issues, the systemic barriers still exist, and sometimes the pace of change feels slow. This includes the barriers that prevent access and inclusion for marginalized groups within the art world, as well as the need for more concrete support to ensure that EDI work translates into real, lasting change.

Who would be your dream collaborator/collaboration?

My dream collaborations for Artiq all revolve around creating opportunities for our artists to shine and produce work in response to different environments. I’d love to partner with other sectors of the art world, such as auction houses and commercial galleries. We specialise in facilitating creative production and events, so it would be amazing to open up more opportunities for our talented, multifaceted artists. I’d want them to create events and bespoke experiences that resonate with diverse audiences. Collaborating with these organisations would allow us to provide artists with a wider platform to showcase their work through commissions, events, and public-facing projects, expanding their reach and impact. In this process, Artiq could play a key role as both liaison and creative producer, helping to bring these collaborations to life.

What does creativity mean to you?

Creativity, to me, is rooted in responsiveness—finding new and increasingly pluralistic ways to connect and convey ideas. It’s about exploring different forms to challenge conventions and push boundaries. Creativity isn’t just about making artworks; it’s about communication—whether it’s expressing feelings, sharing information, or connecting with others on a deeper level. At its core, creativity is a way to express yourself and foster meaningful, interpersonal connections.

What’s next for your organisation?

What’s next for Artiq is an increased focus on collaboration and partnership, expanding our outreach efforts, and broadening our horizons to explore new project areas. We’ll continue to respond to the ever-changing dynamics of the economy, the art world, and the ongoing conversation around EDI. Our vision is always forward-thinking—since our start in 2009 with just two people, we’ve grown to a devoted, multi-talented team of 45, all passionate about finding new ways to collaborate. As we move forward, we are focused on curating and co-creating for the future, ensuring we build a more inclusive and innovative path for both our artists and the industry.

What do you think needs to change in the UK’s Cultural and Creative Industries?

It’s hard to limit it to just a few things, but I believe the UK’s Cultural and Creative Industries need to increasingly turn towards each other for support. As new challenges arise, we have the opportunity to respond collectively and with a sense of solidarity. We are all in the same boat, and by working together, we can create stronger, more resilient industries that can better adapt to changing times. Building a culture of support, collaboration, and shared responsibility is key to navigating the complexities we face.