Katrina Aleksa, co-founder of AWITA (Association of Women in the Arts), has built a notable career in the art world, holding positions in respected galleries and museums, driven by a passion for the arts each role reflecting her dedication to supporting artists and nurturing an inclusive community.
Together with Sigrid Kirk, Aleksa co-founded AWITA in 2017 with the visionary aim of creating a vital support network for women in the art world. As tireless advocates for female art professionals, artists, curators, and leaders, Aleksa and Kirk are dedicated to lighting the path for future generations.
The moment we realized the necessity of AWITA was when we consistently heard about the absence of a safe place for women to talk about career issues, share expertise, and support each other
Katrina Aleksa
AWITA not only guides women in their artistic ambitions but also serves as a sanctuary—an open forum where women can discuss career challenges, share expertise, and provide mutual support. An approach that has drawn international attention and acclaim, cementing AWITA’s role as a pillar of support and empowerment in the art community.
Following last year’s successful ‘Build Your Own Art World‘ conference at the auction house Phillips—which was a treasure trove of practical insights and tangible examples shared by leading female figures from corporate and cultural sectors—the conference returns to London’s Christie’s on Wednesday, June 5th, 2024.
This year’s event will feature keynote speaker Koyo Kouoh, Director and Chief Curator of Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town, coinciding with the institution’s first foray into Europe with its show ‘When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting,’ launching at the same time as Art Basel.
The one-day conference will include panels, workshops, and discussions led by prominent female voices from the cultural and corporate sectors focused on personal and professional development for women in the arts.
‘Build Your Own Art World‘ goes far beyond a standard art conference. It provides a powerful arsenal for professional women eager to carve their paths in the arts and cultural sectors, offering practical takeaways, rich discussions, innovative workshops and much more. In this Q&A, Aleksa discusses women’s place in the art world and AWITA’s upcoming ‘Build Your Own Art World‘ conference, sharing insights into what attendees can expect and more.
Build Your Own Art World is on the 5th of June at Christie’s London Tickets available for purchase HERE
Hi Katrina, how are you doing? Can you tell us about yourself and your journey into the arts?
Katrina Aleksa: Well, thank you. My journey into the arts began with a profound appreciation for creativity and expression from a young age. I pursued formal education in art history and cultural studies, which provided me with a deep understanding of the field. My career has spanned various roles, from working with galleries and museums to co-founding AWITA. Each step has been driven by a passion for supporting artists and fostering a vibrant, inclusive art community.
You co-founded AWITA with Sigrid Kirk. Can you share with us the organisation’s foundational steps and the moment that made you realise the art world needed this?
Katrina Aleksa: Sigrid Kirk and I founded AWITA with the vision of creating a supportive network for women in the art world. The initial steps involved extensive discussions with female professionals across the industry to understand their challenges and needs. The moment we realized the necessity of AWITA was when we consistently heard about the absence of a safe place for women to talk about career issues, share expertise, and support each other. This reinforced our commitment to building an organization that could advocate for and empower women in the arts.
Continuing from that, what do you like about the art world, and what do you dislike? In its current state, what do you think needs to be addressed?
Katrina Aleksa: I love the art world’s diversity, creativity, and its ability to inspire and provoke thought. However, I dislike the persistent inequalities, particularly regarding gender and racial representation. The art world needs to address these disparities by fostering more inclusive environments, promoting diverse voices, and ensuring equal opportunities for all professionals, regardless of their background.
Has anything changed for women in the art world since AWITA was formed?
Katrina Aleksa: Since AWITA was formed, there has been a noticeable increase in awareness and dialogue around gender equality in the art world. While significant progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to achieve true equality and representation.
Image courtesy of AWITA
This year, Koyo Kouoh of Zeitz MOCAA will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming AWITA conference, “Build Your Own Art World.” Can you tell us more about the event, what visitors can expect, and what you hope they will take away from it?
Katrina Aleksa: We are thrilled to have Koyo Kouoh as our keynote speaker for the “Build Your Own Art World” conference at Christie’s on Wednesday 5th June. The event will feature a series of panels, workshops, and discussions focused on empowering individuals to shape their paths in the art world. Visitors can expect to gain insights from industry leaders, network with peers, and participate in interactive sessions. We hope attendees leave feeling inspired and equipped with practical tools to advance their careers and contribute to a more inclusive art world.
Do you have any advice for women who may be interested in getting into the industry but need help knowing where to start?
Katrina Aleksa: My advice for women entering the art industry is to build a strong network, seek mentorship, and be persistent. The art world can be challenging, but passion and dedication can open many doors. Take advantage of opportunities to learn and grow, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and your work.
Build Your Own ArtWorld Conference, 2023
Image courtesy of AWITA
Building on that, can you share your most memorable art-world moment with us?
Katrina Aleksa: One of my most memorable moments was co-founding AWITA and seeing the immediate positive impact it had on the community. The support and enthusiasm from women across the art world were incredibly affirming and highlighted the importance of our mission.
What is your current must-see exhibition right now?
Katrina Aleksa: Currently, I highly recommend visiting the “Afro-Atlantic Histories” exhibition. It offers a profound exploration of the history and cultural contributions of the African diaspora, presented through a rich array of artworks and historical artifacts. The exhibition is both enlightening and deeply moving, offering valuable perspectives on history and identity.
We are dedicated to sharing the voices of artists. Who are some early-career artists we should be watching?
Katrina Aleksa: There are several early-career artists whose work is truly inspiring. Among them are Toyin Ojih Odutola, whose intricate drawings explore identity and narrative; Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, whose paintings are a mesmerizing blend of mythology and modernity. These artists are making significant contributions to contemporary art and are definitely ones to watch.
Image courtesy of AWITA
Wrapping up, can you share your philosophy of art? How do you describe and understand art’s core importance in your life and career?
Katrina Aleksa: Art, to me, is a powerful form of communication and expression that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. It has the ability to challenge, inspire, and bring about change. In my life and career, art serves as a lens through which I understand the world and a platform for advocating for social justice, equality, and the celebration of diverse voices and perspectives. My philosophy is that art should be accessible to all and that it plays a crucial role in fostering empathy and understanding in society.
Build Your Own Art World is on the 5th of June at Christie’s London Tickets available for purchase HERE
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©2024 Katrina Aleksa, AWITA
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