PROFILE
[VELVENOIR - an international art consultancy firm]
Contemporary art is powerful, inspiring, inviting and engaging. Art moves, questions and is a reflection of the space we live, work, stay and play in - and this is what drives us.
[WE CURATE MEANINGFUL ART COLLECTIONS WITH POWERFUL STORIES BEHIND SHARED WITH THE WORLD. ]
Since 2014, we have specialized in curating private art collections for discerning clients across the globe. Our passion for contemporary art shines through in our collaborations with luxury hospitality properties, where we create inspiring and engaging art collections for guests.
Private Art Collections
VELVENOIR curates and develops meaningful art collections that enhance spaces, mirroring individual tastes and offering long-term financial value.
Commercial & Hospitality
VELVENOIR curates, procures, and manages art collections for international brands and real estate developers, creating signature experiences that inspire, challenge and engage guests.
Strategic Communication
VELVENOIR hosts private art dinners, stage artworks in show-flats, and collaborates with international artists and galleries, enhancing luxury estate sales with tailored communication strategies.
Alexandra Schafer
We are driven by contemporary art to build collections for public and private spaces worldwide, and to help our clients communicate these collections internationally.
The journey for each project is a collaboration, carefully considering each client’s individual needs. From concept to creation, every project entails in-depth research, strategic placement, sensitivity to design, and a deep consideration for the private and/or public nature of a piece, thinking of the artwork in situ but also its life thereafter, with the client’s desires and long-term goals in mind.
Alexandra understands that beginning a collection is a deeply personal endeavor and building a relationship with an artwork is not just an investment in a piece or installation but in the value of an artist’s career, their oeuvre, and body of work. She has a strong vision to support, promote, and enrich visual culture. Guiding and inspiring clients, drawing together artists, and offering a personal and intimate experience when developing a collection or building art collections for hospitality brands, that engage, inspire and connect guests during their stay – this is the driving force behind her and her team.
Alexandra has built upon her strong foundation in hospitality while studying at the Vocational School of Tourism Klessheim in Salzburg, Austria. Working in London in various hospitality roles allowed her to gain exclusive insights on how to be working with guests at high-end hotels and events. Moving from London to Sydney where she studied at ICMS event and marketing she keeps working for lifestyle brands from Merivale, HSBC, to The Star Sydney to name a view. Ever since, her entire approach was formed throughout these experience and supported through her desire to nurture artistic practice, while working with her collectors and clients on a personal level. Whether it is commissioning an artist, advising a collector, or connecting a client to an artwork, she brings a sensitive, unique, and cross-disciplinary approach to every project. Traveling throughout the year to international art fairs, exhibitions, and studios, she regularly works to keep a pulse on the contemporary market. Her passion and longstanding engagement with emerging, established, and indigenous artists demonstrates her commitment to championing and showcasing critical and compelling visual art. In the past 10 years, she has built private collections from Palma, New York to Vancouver and built public collections for Hyatt, IHG and Mandarin Oriental Group with her team.
Our mission is to foster and support culture while championing contemporary artists through curated collections, commissions, and personalized guidance.
With a focus on contemporary art, we integrate hospitality and project management expertise to create impactful, story-driven environments. Since 2014, we’ve collaborated with emerging to blue-chip artists and galleries, fostering culture and excellence.
VELVENOIR’s team comprises international art advisors, museum curators, engineers, communication experts, art handlers, restoration and art valuers, collaborating with vetted experts to tailor solutions for clients’ diverse needs and projects.
Our journey started in 2013 amidst the Australian Outback, drawing inspiration from indigenous art during travels from Alice Springs to Darwin. VELVENOIR was founded in Salzburg, Austria by Alexandra Schafer from these experiences, dedicated to democratizing contemporary art.
our
Foundation
At VELVENOIR, our reputation as a trusted art consultancy is built on a foundation of trust, a proven track record, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We prioritize personalized service, always striving to exceed the expectations of our clients and partners. Our collectors and clients are at the heart of everything we do, and every aspect of our business is designed to enhance their experience and satisfaction.
At VELVENOIR, our culture is built on a commitment to exceptionally high standards. We consider the lasting impact of our work, recognizing that the future of art curation requires a sustainable approach. This ethos guides every aspect of our business, as we curate collections with a view to creating a lasting legacy. We strive to leave an indelible mark on the art world, ensuring that our contributions enrich both present and future generations.
At VELVENOIR, our commitment to art curation is driven by a profound sense of responsibility to our collectors, investors, and the communities we engage with. We strive to elevate the quality of every collection we curate, focusing on aesthetics, craftsmanship, and value. Collaborating exclusively with top-tier artists and experts, we ensure that we deliver exceptional art experiences for all stakeholders. We take our role in the art world seriously, continually pushing the boundaries to enhance our offerings. This dedication is our core, evident in every project we undertake.
At VELVENOIR, we believe that transforming the art world requires both courage and a desire to stand out. We’ve set the bar for exceptional art curation and will continue to lead as the art market evolves. Innovation and originality are our hallmarks, whether we’re curating for private collections, luxury hotels, or corporate spaces. We are committed to pushing boundaries and redefining standards, ensuring every project is as unique and inspiring as the art itself.
our
Process
What’s your vision, what do you hold most important and how can we help you get there? For private collectors, we can source and curate an entire collection or even organise a unique commission that will fit perfectly into your space. In a hospitality or interior design context, it all starts with preparing a bespoke concept or a story that you can share with your guests. By working with you on researching and creating a cohesive story for your space and property, we’ll be able to turn your concept into a vibrant reality.
We source and commission local and international artwork from studios, fairs and galleries all over the world, ensuring that we find the perfect piece or collection for your space, and to suit your budget, too. And don’t worry, we’ll deal with all the logistics here. We offer full project management – from acquisition, procurement and insurance, to shipping and museum-spec framing. Our creative approach is paired with state of the art technology to ensure that you stay in the loop through the entire process.
We’ll professionally install as well as fully document each work, providing you with your personal art collection folder and remaining at your service going forward. Our hand-over for all our hospitality spaces even includes workshops, to train your team how to tell the story of your new collection in your luxury hotel or corporate space, enabling you to share your powerful art collection to the guests of tomorrow.
We focus on curated styling with fine-art objects, accessories, and books, ensuring each element complements the project at hand and supports the narrative of the art collection built. For our commercial clients, we offer communication and branding support, including workshops, while for our private collectors we document and manage the entire art collection acquired. This phase ensures your art collection is not only beautifully displayed but also effectively communicated and maintained for long-term enjoyment and appreciation.
Follow us
