Meet the members shaping our community - Sophie Vander

Sophie is the Founder and Director of Curatorial+Co., an Art Consultancy and Art Gallery specialising in contemporary, original and accessible art by emerging and mid-career artists and designers from across the globe. Sophie and her team extend art beyond the gallery walls to residential, commercial, hospitality and public art projects through the Art Consultancy arm, and are dedicated to the growth of their artists' careers through an outstanding exhibition program in their Woolloomooloo, Sydney, gallery space. Curatorial+Co. is dedicated to promoting artistic quality, integrity, accessibility, distinction, experimentation and diversity.

Best advice you’ve ever received, and do you actually follow it?

“Say yes, and work it out later.” (Thanks, Mum.) And yes, I absolutely follow it. It’s probably responsible for a few sleepless nights, but it propels me forward every day.

What’s (still) on your bucket list?

An African safari. Though, as a Leo, I’m slightly concerned I might be tempted to pat the big cats… which could bring my bucket list to a rather abrupt end!

What impact are you hoping to make through your work?

To create more opportunities for artists, challenge the idea that great art is only for certain people, and show just how transformative art can be. I want to help artists build sustainable careers, while creating meaningful connections between art, people and place. If our work leaves spaces more interesting, people more curious, and artists better supported, that feels like a pretty good impact.

Favourite local restaurant, and what are you ordering?

My very first Collabor8Women event sat me next to Baci Moore of Bistro Rex. I find it hard to separate the art from the artist, so when I fell for Baci, I fell for Bistro Rex too.

The Steak Frites with a Barrel Aged Negroni – perfection.

If you could sit with any woman for a long lunch, who would it be and what would you ask?

From the past, Peggy Guggenheim, collector, patron, risk-taker and champion of artists. I'd want to know how she knew when to trust her own eye, particularly when the rest of the world hadn’t caught up yet.

A contemporary? Artist Tracey Emin – I'd let her do all the talking.

What helps you get into your best work zone?

A great idea and a slightly unreasonable deadline. Apparently, I thrive on momentum! And good people around me.

You can only pack three things in your handbag. What’s coming with you?

My phone, a tape measure and lipstick. You never know when you’ll need to measure a wall and look good doing it.

What book or podcast has made an impact on your business?

It may be a little obvious, but Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead. As a founder with no formal leadership training, it’s become something of a bible for me. The lesson I come back to again and again: “Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.”

What’s something people may be surprised to learn about you?

Despite outward appearances, I’m actually an introvert. I can work a room, but afterwards I need silence.

What are you excited about next?

Growth in all the right ways. More ambitious Art Consultancy projects, taking our artists to new audiences internationally, and continuing to build a brilliant team around me. I’m excited by how much still feels possible. Standing still is not an option.