An initial discussion about a proposed tour would establish the special parameters and objectives of the tour, whether a tour is to coincide with a particular event, an exhibition, a loan of paintings, or a performance schedule.
We would then provide a draft proposal and work closely with our client to ensure the programme is tailored to the institution’s specific requirements.
Our tour management is detailed and thorough, and we provide a complete service from conception, through planning and on-tour management, to completion, resulting in a seamless travel experience for the participants.
Julia’s background is in languages and art history. She graduated with a Masters in Art History from the Courtauld Institute of Art, and speaks French, Spanish and Italian. After living in Asia for 10 years, Julia returned to London and for many years lectured on international art history tours for UK and US museums. Julia’s expertise and extensive global network led her to found ArtsAbroad with the aim of working with and supporting visual and performing arts institutions. ArtsAbroad organises and manages bespoke specialist tours to destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the United States, and South America for clients which include major museums, galleries, opera companies and special interest groups.
After studying History of Art and French at The University of Bristol, Lucy trained as a specialist in 19th Century British and European Paintings at a major London auction house. Later moving into the museum sector, she then worked in the Development team at the V&A, working on major capital campaigns and museum events. With a deep passion for travel and cultural exchange, Lucy has fostered close relationships with clients since joining ArtsAbroad in 2019. Confidently creating bespoke, complex itineraries to worldwide destinations, Lucy is a charismatic tour leader with meticulous organisation and attention to detail.
Hannah read Italian and French at the University of Bristol, with a year abroad studying in Naples and interning at a Parisian publishing house. She has worked in the specialist arts travel business for 10 years (apart from a brief spell in the sustainable energy sector), specialising in Italy but with worldwide expertise including south-east Asia, India, France and the UK. Previously, she worked in the classical music world: at an agency for musicians and for several classical music and opera festivals. A stint studying art history in Florence gave her a passion for a culture and travel, which she has combined with her love of music and languages to create and lead compelling itineraries the world over. She joined ArtsAbroad in May 2024.
After reading Modern Languages at Durham University, Louisa has spent most of her career to date in Public Relations for the luxury travel and lifestyle industry. She has worked closely alongside some of the world’s most renowned chefs, restaurateurs and hoteliers. Louisa manages ArtsAbroad’s tour reservations, invoicing and general office administration.
Ildiko has 20 years of experience in finance and is a member of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers. Before she joined ArtsAbroad, Ildiko ran her own accounting practice and assisted many different types of business and charities to achieve their goals. While working for Medipharmacy Ltd, she produced training materials and travelled to India to train accounts assistants, and to assist the CEO setting up an external account department. Ildiko now runs the finance department at ArtsAbroad.
After reading History and Italian at Trinity College Dublin, Olivia continued to do a Masters in Heritage Management at Queen Mary University of London with Historic Royal Palaces. She gained insight into the organisational structures of museums and heritage sites, working closely alongside industry experts during a series of placements. Since joining ArtsAbroad, Olivia has enjoyed expanding her network of contacts and utilising her Italian language skills in a professional setting.
Madeleine spent time growing up between Frankfurt, London and Edinburgh. After graduating from the University of Bristol, she worked in Austria for a year before completing an MA in History of Art. Madeleine excelled in operations roles across various sectors, including museums, events and commercial real estate, further honing her flair for expertly handling complex logistics. Most recently, Madeleine was managing the front of house staffing operations at the National Portrait Gallery before joining ArtsAbroad in September 2024.
Having read History of Art & Spanish at University, Grace spent a year abroad studying ancient civilisations at the University of Zaragoza and worked as an English language teacher in Galicia. She focused her degree on alternative histories, specifically on women’s and minorities’ contribution to modern Hispanic culture. Developing both her linguistic and administrative skills, she continued to pursue her love of the arts working in visitor experience at Tate Modern. She enjoys learning and developing her skills as a keen member of the ArtsAbroad team.
After studying History of Art at the University of Bristol, Jessica continued to nurture her interests in the arts completing a Master’s degree in Cultural Studies at Goldsmiths, University of London. Here, she was able to reposition her theoretical and artistic knowledge onto more current cultural planes. Following this, she gained valuable experience at a luxury PR company where she had the opportunity to work alongside upcoming artists, art charities and assist at events such as Frieze Arts Fair. Since joining ArtsAbroad, Jessica continues to develop her passion for cultural exchange, excellent organisational skills and keen attention to detail.
With a background in travel and the arts Vikki has worked for many years with both artists and high-end cultural groups. She has spent many years creating bespoke experiences in challenging environments. Vikki has a passion for both classical and contemporary art and has curated exhibitions and events in magnificent locations for patrons in the arts, classical music and opera worlds. Vikki’s communication skills, attention to detail, and depth of knowledge always ensure successful tours.
Simon has been a Corporate Finance adviser for more than 35 years, initially with NatWest Markets and then as a Senior Partner with PwC, building and developing a market leading M&A advisory business. He has worked with clients in the UK, across Europe and Asia, and in the US. Simon is currently a Senior Adviser to Stonehage Fleming, the leading multi-family and ultra high net worth wealth management firm in Europe. Since joining in 2017, he has also been Chairman of the Stonehage Fleming Corporate Finance business and Head of the Family Office and Advisory businesses in the UK. He has been a Non-Executive Director of several family owned companies and a Non-Executive Director of ArtsAbroad since its foundation.