Conversation with Samantha Williams
Director of Arts and Events at Brookfield Properties
“By placing art within shared spaces, they function as alternative galleries, giving workers and visitors a moment of joy and reflection and a reminder to pause – if only for a moment.” - Saff Williams, Curatorial Director, Brookfield Properties Europe.
Saff joined Brookfield Properties in 2018; she is the Curatorial Director, driving the Arts and Events strategy and placemaking activities for the office and retail business in London and Potsdamer Platz, Berlin. Saff has been in the U.K. for Eight years as a Curator. Originally from Sydney, Australia, she had worked in exhibitions for the City of Sydney, the Biennial of Sydney, and Art HK and Managed Artist Run Initiatives and Commercial Galleries.
Below, Saff discusses her experiences in her role at one of London’s most prominent commercial developers.
What do you respond to in a sculpture?
“Brookfield Properties reception interiors often have a distinctive look and feel, often monumental, Carrara marble, simple even cavernous; so, I am drawn to sculpture that pulls the eye in, either through their bright colours and or monumentality or achieved playfulness with medium and materials, asking the viewer to find meaning within their construction as well as their narrative.”
How did the Brookfield Properties Arts and Events initiative come about?
“Brookfield Properties believes in the unique ability of art and culture to transform spaces and bring people together – that’s why they have invested in the arts for over three decades - since 1988. “
“Brookfield Properties Arts & Events is the cultural arm of Brookfield Properties and positions itself as a cultural collaborator supporting innovation in music, dance, theatre, film, and visual art by pushing boundaries to create unique works of art and cultural experiences through its placemaking programme to gather communities around creativity.”
Why is it important for Brookfield Properties to support female creatives?
“Female creatives comprise 66% of the market, but only 32% of artists are represented by London’s major commercial galleries. Male artists dominate auction sales at 88%, with only 3% of the highest-grossing sales by female artists. So, representation of female artists and curators is vital in the City of London.”
What do you find most rewarding about your role?
“Working with artists and external curators, I have redefined art in public spaces and created a new commissioning model for property, focusing on composing new works which retain ownership by the artists - so they may again show these works, maybe are purchased or rented.”
