Each engagement begins with what already exists:
the work, the relationships, the infrastructure,
and builds outward from there.
PieceUnique Lanuch Event at Cromwell Place. Credit: Salima Kamara
Here are some of the projects that reflect the approach.
International Art Fair, Communications & Press Operations
One of the global art world's significant annual moments, with an operation spanning an executive team, exhibitors, sponsors, VIP, MarComms and programming simultaneously. In liaison with a fractional team, Ann-Marie supports coordination of the international communications function, leading on the fair's press trip. This includes hosting international media, managing spokesperson interviews, liaising with external PR agencies, tracking coverage for annual reporting and developing the systems to do so.
Carefully managed relationships with external stakeholders, such as the host country's Department of Economy and Tourism, have been central to the year-on-year strengthening of the programming. Ann-Marie has been trusted to host the Department's market leads and related media guests throughout the press trip: managing their experience end-to-end, from itinerary coordination to on-the-ground hosting and interview scheduling.
Attending press represented a cross-section of top-tier international and specialist titles, including Forbes, CNN, Tagesspiegel, The Art Newspaper and ARTnews. Reflecting both the fair's global reach and its standing within the industry.
Culinary Brand, Positioning & Commercial Readiness
A founder running a culinary brand across direct-to-consumer sales, wholesale, supper clubs and catering wanted to understand whether full-time independence was viable - and how to present the brand if she made the leap. A.EKUBAN developed the key messaging framework to be used across web, social, email marketing, partner content and marketing collateral, timed to a pop-up event that would test the brand in a public-facing moment.
The client has since moved into full-time entrepreneurship and refreshed her digital presence for the new chapter.
Gallery, Editorial to Commercial Pivot
A platform on mission to showcase African and Afro-diasporic art sought to transition from editorial publishing into a commercial selling operation. A.EKUBAN developed the key messaging and communications materials for the pivot, secured exclusive press coverage, and facilitated introductions that were business-critical to the new direction.
Within 12 months, the gallery had made its first art fair appearance. A milestone that validated the pivot and opened the founder up to further expansion of the venture.
Membership, International Launch & Go-To-Market Strategy
With the aim of growing its international reach beyond the African continent, an established auction house embarked on a new chapter of its membership and programming offering. A.EKUBAN collaborated with a Specialist Communications Consultant to conduct landscape research ahead of launch, refining the media and key opinion leader strategies designed to build momentum. Launch programming included a curator-led private tour, a selling exhibition and an online webinar.
The membership successfully activated during London's key moment in the art calendar and has since developed into a network of ongoing industry partnerships, building reputation organically.
Artist Archive, Digital Identity & Ecosystem
An established artist with over a decade of practice had outdated communications channels that no longer reflected their standing. Drawing on what already existed, A.EKUBAN built a Digital Asset Management system that organised the artist’s body of work and project managed a full website relaunch, over three months.
The artist now has a digital identity that reflects their reputation. The engagement also resulted in facilitated introductions that have strengthened their professional ecosystem and opened thinking around new independent commercial ventures.