In 2015 we will be celebrating how art impacts on events – and how events impact on the arts - and we are calling this project: The Art of Events.
We will be recognising all the different ways art effects our events; from the influence of art as an event backdrop to the stunning impact of amazing lighting, incredible flowers and eye-catching table decorations. And we’ll be considering what counts as art in events, and what doesn’t. Can extraordinary food presentation every qualify and we all know what it feels like to have our breath taken away by a beautifully dressed space – but is this art? We'll be consulting all our stakeholders to find out what they think.
We’re lucky enough to work in many art galleries, museums and event spaces where changing exhibitions can have a big influence on event organisers - and their guests. We want to take a closer look at the impact of new exhibitions on attendances. March is a big month for exhibition openings and we expect the fashion-forward Alexander McQueen at the V&A and the classic Inventing Impressionism at the National Gallery to make the headlines. Equally inviting to prospective event goers will be the Joshua Reynolds at the Wallace Collection and Defining Beauty - an exhibition considering the body in ancient Greek art at the British Museum - both of which also open in March. But why are some exhibitions so popular with event goers and others leave them cold? What is it that elevates an exhibition into a must-see event, and therefore an influence on venue choice?
And we want to talk about how the events industry is supporting the arts. We’ll look at the positive impact of corporate membership on venues and the crucial additional income generated by venue hire at many of London’s most prestigious art spaces.
Finally, as caterers we (happily) agree to some pretty tight restrictions in the name of art. From a blanket ban on red wine to an absolute citrus-exclusion zone, we are ready and willing to protect Britain's art collections from party goers. But what is the most extraordinary thing someone in the event industry has been asked not to do to keep artwork shielded from danger? We'll be reaching out to our fellow event suppliers to find out!
If you have something to say about The Art of Events get in touch and become a guest blogger. Contact info@jacksongilmour.com
