Art Business Society: External Relations Officer

Having served as external relations officer this year, I am keen to continue my role creating more opportunities and making more connections for all of us. Having spent the last 2 years actively building relationships across London’s art world (I quite literally carry hundreds of their business cards with me), I have developed a strong contact base that now connects our society to leaders at institutions, auction houses and galleries. 

This year, I also curated our mentorship scheme, connecting these professionals to our members for personal guidance. In the next year, I am hoping to extend this program to secure our members internship positions through these contacts and make available more tickets for art fairs (Frieze, Art Basel, LAF etc.) gallery tours, workshops and more. Another goal is to continue to gain more opportunities for society participation in cultural programs, such as continuing Frieze ambassadors and young patron programs so that our members can stand out in the professional scene. 

At the heart of my role, I build our community and make careers and networking less scary for you, laying a foundational pathway to further support your futures. If re-elected, I promise that anyone you want to reach in London’s art scene is never more than two calls away. I would love your vote and hope to work with you all again next year! (ps. always track me down to see what opportunities & invites I have to offer ;)) 

I’m standing for External Relations Officer because I don’t just want us to host industry speakers. I want us to build more sustained, mutually beneficial partnerships.

Rather than one-off panels, I’d focus on creating structured pipelines: termly partner institutions, behind-the-scenes site visits, and collaborative student projects with real deliverables. For example, working with a London gallery on a mock acquisition proposal, partnering with an art-tech start-up on a market research brief, or developing sponsor-backed student showcases.

I’d also prioritise diversifying who we connect with, not just commercial galleries, but also independent spaces, global art markets, art initiatives, smaller auction houses, art logistics firms, and emerging collectors.

My aim is to make External Relations strategic, measurable, and long-term by turning contacts into opportunities members can actually leverage.

Hi! My name is Vivien Bartman and I am a first year Italian and History of Art student pursuing a career in Art Business. I am thrilled to stand for External Relations Officer of the Art Business Society.

As External Relations Officer, I intend to expand the society’s industry network and make its connections a shared resource for all members. I aim to build new partnerships with galleries and museum professionals, strengthen opportunities such as the mentorship scheme, and actively welcome contact suggestions from members to create valuable opportunities for the whole society.

Through experience in commercial galleries and museums, I have developed strong networking and relationship building skills and gained meaningful connections within the art world. Last summer I interned at Opera Gallery, drafting press releases, engaging with clients, and compiling a database of art advisors to support external relations and outreach. I also work with the National Gallery, where I have delivered a public talk in the Sainsbury Wing in conversation with their head of framing, and have supported events in the galleries and Learning Centre. Additionally, I am a Youth Panel member at Sir John Soane’s Museum, where I collaborate with young people and museum professionals to create inclusive programming.

I would be honoured to contribute to the committee and help grow the Art Business Society. Thank you for your consideration!

Vote for Viv!