Conversation with Maria Baibakova
Art expert, activist and Special Adviser on Arts and Philanthropy to UN Women UK
The Art of Empowerment is one of UN Women UK’s Flagship fundraising programmes, which partners with leading women artists to create limited-edition works to support our art.
Founded by Executive Committee Member, Maria Baibakoka – art expert, activist and Special Adviser on Arts and Philanthropy to UN Women UK – the programme connects leading artists who identify as women and art lovers with the opportunity to create widespread change for women and girls across the world.
Maria Baibakova is an art-focused entrepreneur and activist based in London. In 2008, Baibakova founded Baibakov Art Projects - an organisation committed to supporting contemporary art through innovative curatorial, philanthropic and consulting projects. She began her work with UN Women UK as a Special Advisor for Arts and Philanthropy in 2018. Baibakova actively and enthusiastically supports women in creative industries via her recent role as a Trustee of Barnard College for women affiliated with Columbia University in New York. Baibakova was named one of the “100 Most Powerful Women in the Art World” by Artnet in 2014 and “40 Under 40” by Apollo Magazine in 2017.
Can you share a bit more about your role as founder and advisor?
“In the summer of 2018, I was asked whether I could contribute somehow to UN Women UK, and I decided to do so by bringing the organization together with my industry – the art world. In consultation with a few mentors, including Sigrid Kirk, co-founder of AWITA, I started The Art of Empowerment programme that annually invites artists who identify as women to create textile editions. Sale proceeds benefit the programmes of UN Women UK.”
How did this year’s edition with Michaela Yearwood Dan come about?
“Michaela’s paintings are beautiful and layered, including interesting elements, such as 3D porcelain flower petals attached to the surface and her handwriting. These elements were particularly challenging to translate using the fabric of different textures and weights, so the resulting edition feels even more special this year. Kudos to Kit Grover and his team for re-creating Michaela’s painting as a textile edition and making our joint vision a reality.”
What has been a standout moment for you since starting the programme in 2018?
“The most memorable moment was launching the first edition in November 2018 while being nine months pregnant - I was having practice contractions throughout the evening of the launch! Interestingly, Rosie Shephard, who was helping us get this project off the ground then, was also as pregnant as I was. It’s remarkable what women are capable of! Another standout moment was me asking Paulina Olowska to do an edition for us within a week turnaround – and her agreeing to do it! After war broke out in Ukraine on February 24, 2021, I wanted an edition ready for emergency fundraising for March 8, 2021 – International Women’s Day. I don’t think we have ever worked on such a tight deadline, but funds were critically needed then, and we had to act quickly.”
What empowers you to do what you do?
“I am motivated to use the resources available to me to make a difference in the world, however small. If I can help, I will go the extra mile. I believe we as women and mothers need to show up for each other in times of need and support each other where we can. I also believe that the world will be a better place if more women have a seat at the global tables of power and advocate for the rights of women and girls at the highest levels.”
What is the key to your success?
“The key to my success is having a strong support network at home. I am so grateful to the people who help me care for my young children and give me the flexibility to work and pursue my projects.”
What are your hopes for the future of the programme?
“I hope that this year, we will be able to raise the funds UN Women UK needs to create an Emergency Fund so that the organization never has to experience funding gaps when funds are needed most.”
