Art Acumen | Art Consultancy

engage & inspire

Art Acumen is a leading specialist art consultancy with twenty years’ experience curating & commissioning art collections, programming bespoke creative events and place-making through public art programmes.

Integral to the success of our programmes and collections is our holistic approach and the quality of our consultation. We work closely with our clients and their teams, distilling our collaborative discussions into significant, meaningful and inspiring briefs.

We are passionate about curating art and delivering engaging creative programmes that bring people together to connect, share, collaborate, socialise and innovate. Please read about our new for 2021 Cultivate™ art programme, inspired by the needs of post-pandemic organisations.

testimonials

“"The link between creativity and innovation is clear - an open mind allows for greater space for creating new ideas. Having an open mind means active listening to diverse thought and perspectives and working with Art Acumen allows us to make that happen."”

GPE – Hickman

GPE – Cavendish Square

GPE

““We believe that a stimulating, diverse and inclusive working environment fosters discussion, stimulates thought and creativity, all essential elements of any forward-looking law firm’s toolkit. Our art programme has been devised to nurture creativity, open mindedness and empathy””

Freshfields

“Catherine Thomas is a consummate professional and the commissioned paintings that I created within the Art Acumen umbrella, was a picture perfect smooth sail of a ride. Catherine adopted the right approach to both client and artist, allowing creativity and fluidity, whilst maintaining a solid schedule, managing to bring the whole project to fruition with flair.”

Simon Casson

artist

“With the help of Art Acumen, we chose from amongst a great multitude of options a collection of works which we feel reflect the qualities we admire and celebrate in our clients, as well as illustrating facets of who we are as a business.”

Withers

“Art Acumen were the driving force behind the 2018 Art Programme including the Instagram Photography Competition which was a categorical success! It was seamlessly on brand for BCO Conference in Berlin. Thank you for all your incredibly hard work and devising and creating such an innovative programme”

British Council for Offices

““It looks absolutely fantastic. It’s everything that we were hoping for. Simon has captured exactly what we were wanting for this space, reflecting the history of the site whilst staying true to the style that makes Simon’s art so captivating. Thank you so much, it’s superb””

Director, DTZ Investors

“Art Acumen proposed a selection of artwork within a fixed budget, and with just two weeks to present, deliver and install! Working with Art Acumen is a thoroughly enjoyable experience, they are both professional and personable and always respond with a high-quality, bespoke art solutions for us. We cannot recommend enough”

Stow

“Catherine is a breath of fresh air to work with. Direct, supportive with great ideas... and if she says it will get done. It gets done!”

Jonathan Huxley

artist

“It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Art Acumen to create our Art collection. They spent time with us both to really understand our preferences and has expertly advised us on the various pieces that we love and appreciate every day”

Private Client

London

“'I worked on several large scale commission with Art Acumen which were carefully considered projects. I was impressed with the curation and thoughtfulness that they brought to each project; it was a real pleasure to work with them.'”

Orlanda Broom

artist

“Art Acumen delivered stunning artwork to the building reception that we believed made a real contribution to attracting tenants to what is now a fully occupied building. Thank you Art Acumen!”

DTZ Investors

“Art Acumen were recommended to me via a mutual contact, I was very impressed with the way in which they familiarized themselves with our company to create a synergy and story between our business and our space. I would highly recommend Art Acumen and am excited for future projects.”

CBRE Global Investors

“Their input was invaluable in the success of the project as a whole. The artists commissioned were outstanding and a real value to the building!”

Mike Rhodes

Head of Projects for Open University

“Art Acumen delivered considered and professional advice on one of our major client accounts which was greatly received. Highly recommend!”

Neil wells

Aura Consulting

“I was really impressed by the quality of the films across the board. The competition was extremely strong and a great showcase of accomplished work. I think the Vivid Digital Arts Programme, curated by Art Acumen is a great new platform that is offering a very real opportunity to film makers.”

Joey Bania

Winner of short films

“We believe this collection is the perfect addition to our 6th floor, reflecting both our brand values and expressing the quirkiness of Buzzacott.”

Buzzacott

Private Client

Kent

“It’s always a pleasure to work with Art Acumen, as they continue to offer a credible interface between the artist’s studio and the needs of the workplace, with a highly responsive curatorial approach”

Chuck Elliot

artist

“...your expertise and creativity has been an inspiration to us in CMS. You have been a pleasure to work with and your artwork has not only enhanced but made our beautiful new office space truly exceptional”

Penelope Warne

The Senior Partner, CMS

“It was a pleasure working with Art Acumen. They immediately understood our needs and their sourcing was extremely thoughtful and spot on. We are looking forward to working with them again soon.”

Boston Consulting Group

“They successfully integrated the client, design team and artists in a single dialogue early enough in the project to completely integrate the works in and around the building.”

Nick Birchall

Principal, Swanke Aukett

“It’s been Catherine’s understanding of the qualities of materials that’s led to us having such a strong working relationship over the last ten years. She has a unique combination of vision and an eye for detail which means that work she commissions and curates is of the highest standard.”

Rebecca Gouldson

Artist

“Art Acumen's Director, Catherine Thomas has that rare talent of being both professional & personable. She's a joy to work with & we look forward to unveiling her work, enjoying her contribution & continuing to have her as part of our 'team' for many years to come.”

Martin Whitaker

CEO, Circuit of Wales

“I've known and worked with Art Acumen for a few years now, and each time I ask for help and consultancy with clients , I am always not only impressed, but I have become used to looking forward to seeing their contribution and proposals.”

Martin Reeve

Director, Scott Brownrigg

“I have worked with Art Acumen on projects for both private homes and businesses. They are always very professional and approachable and make themselves available to offer support at any point in the project. Their curators have great vision for what can work in a space, which has led to some really interesting and ambitious projects.””

Anna Masters

artist

“Art Acumen advised us on and sourced high profile fine art photography to complement our existing collection. They were professional to deal with and very personable too. We would highly recommend them.”

TA Associates

“The success of the project was in no small part due to their knowledge, continuing enthusiasm and commitment”

Richard Holmes

Northampton Borough Council

“Art Acumen has worked with Centrica for many years, from commissioning and purchasing artwork to auditing and valuing our collection and selling off key pieces. Every step of the way they have provided us with an excellent service!”

Centrica

“Art Acumen has grasped our long and short term requirements brilliantly. We will continue to collaborate to develop our long term art programme this year.”

Kleinwort Benson Bank

“Art Acumen's Director, Catherine Thomas has an excellent, non-confrontational manner, but with an underlying sense of what cuts the mustard when it comes to achieving works of quality in public spaces. I recommend her strongly.”

Bill Hill

Torfaen County Borough Council

“It's been a pleasure to work with Art Acumen. Their curators have a sensitivity to the conceptual aspects of the work as well as an expansive approach to projects, looking beyond installation to ways in which the work and the artists can create wider connections with their audiences.”

Caroline Lambard

artist

“Art Acumen provided my organisation with consultation, rental and purchased art pieces for a luxury development in Fitrovia, London. They have always provided me with an excellent, professional and friendly service.”

Epsilon Real Estate

“Many thanks for an excellent service and we very much enjoyed working with Art Acumen. They provided a professional and personable service and I cannot recommend them highly enough.”

Compass Lexecon

“....a great sense of responsibility, commitment and was always available to help solve any problems. She is a valuable member of the design team.”

Nick Willars

Plan A Consultants

“Art Acumen are a joy to have on board - always creative and reliable, never pushing their ideas on you but always able to rationalise them perfectly. Inevitably they work! They have great attention to detail and a sound business acumen alongside that creative expertise.”

Land Securities

“Art Acumen were a delight to work with. They quickly understood the basis for our existing art collection and refreshed it with high quality, exciting new pieces that fit seamlessly into the collection while updating and modernising it.”

Ascot Underwriting

“I have been commissioned by Art Acumen to deliver work for several projects, I have always found them to be both professional, personable and clear, aware of the needs of both client and artist.”

Jo Gorner

artist

“Art Acumen expertly led CMS through the brief and selection process, distilling their ideas and articulating these back to them in a clear and creative way. The resulting art collection was inspiring and a true reflection of CMS.”

Jason Karr

CMS

“They confidently led our clients in selecting and commissioning major works of art. We were also given valuable advice and support.”

Stela Stojic

Chapman Taylor Architects

“Art Acumen have always provided us with a highly professional and friendly service. With a wealth of knowledge and expertise they are always on hand to answer any questions or queries that we have.”

Grosvenor Estates

“We enjoyed the experience of working with Art Acumen. They delivered a thoughtful and engaging photographic collection for our executive floor within a tight time frame.”

FTI Consulting

“Working with Art Acumen is always pleasurable; Catherine is so organised, decisive and clear in her vision and with her communications. I trust her artistic judgement and find her to be thoroughly professional whilst being very personable and kind too.”

Mari Ruth Oda

artist

“Art Acumen provided the client with high quality bespoke artworks that was a highly successful departure from the original brief. They provided a turn-key service, which included installation on site, delivered to a very high standard.”

Nick Viner

Director of Workplace, HKS

“They quickly understood our ambitions and ideas and worked seamlessly with the interiors team to build and deliver a collection that both reflected our tastes and worked effortlessly within the newly refurbished interior. We highly recommend.”

Private Client

Lyall Street, Mayfair

“We wouldn't hesitate to recommend Art Acumen. They were particularly adept at understanding the idiosyncrasies of our needs and presenting exciting options that not only followed our brief but helped expand it as well.”

Jackie McGrath

Boston Consulting Group

“Art Acumen has looked after our collection across all of our sites for over ten years, providing us with a high quality service, from advising us on new purchases to expertly guiding us through de-acquisitions and day to day collection management.”

Friend’s Life

“Art Acumen's Director, Catherine Thomas is a knowledgeable, personable professional who strives to ensure that the client is happy. She has incredible attention to detail and truly understands the needs of her clients. Fantastic to work with.”

Edison Investment Research

“Art Acumen created an art programme that cleverly engaged with local artists, business and the community. We are extremely happy with the commissioned artwork and feel that it adds significant value to the development.”

P&O Developments

“I am thrilled to be judging the Vivid Digital Art Programme. It’s a great way to showcase up and coming talent in film making and content creation. Thank you Art Acumen!”

Daniel Bonner

Global Chief Creative Officer at Wunderman Thompson

get in touch

Our creativity, integrity and extensive knowledge of the art world are combined with effective communication, programme management and design skills. This ensures a bespoke and holistic approach for each client and makes us a valued member of the team.

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recent projects

Osborne Clarke | London

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Category: art programme

engage & inspire

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services

Corporate Interiors

Private Clients

Special Projects

Cultivate

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recent projects

Osborne Clarke | London

Osborne Clarke | Bristol

Decarbonisation Journey: Poem

Decarbonisation Journey: Commission

Freshfields Art Programme: Annual Exhibition 2022

Longley Place: Art and Architecture

Longley Place: Community Engagement

MidEuropa Art Programme

CEG | Creative Journeys

Box Makers Yard

Future London Photography Award

The Hickman Art Programme: Nocturnal Creatures

The Hickman Art Programme: Heath Kane

AXA Real Estate / Vivid Digital

Withers Worldwide

GPE Art Programme

Art at 33 – Joseph Hillier

Riverstone Fulham Commission

CBRE Global Investors

Art at the Lanesborough

Northridge

CMS – Exhibition Programme

CMS – CMNO New Acquisitions

CMS- Collection Management

CMS

Buzzacott

BCO Berlin – Art Programme

Ascot

Ashurst

DTZ Investors – 7 Savoy Court

Edison Investment

Friend’s Life

Centrica

Global Asset Investment

Art at 33 – Paul Vanstone

4-8 Maple Street

Kleinwort Benson Bank

TA Associates

Logica/CGI

14 St George Street – Pockley

Boston Consulting Group

FTI Consulting

Art at 33 – Dominic Welch

Art at 33 – Fakhoury

ART at 33 – Berelowitz

Grosvenor

14 St George Street – Elwes

14 St George Street – Karl Bielik

Private Collector – City

Private Collector – Kent

Private Collector – Mayfair

20 Balderton Street

2-3 Golden Square

Epsilon Real Estate Partners

ICBC

Compass Lexecon

Circuit of Wales

WebsEdge

Allergan

Land Securities

Torfaen County Borough Council

Torfaen CBC – Ken Jones

Open University

Northampton Borough Council

GSK R&D

GSK – Site Specific Commissions