Art-led, destination-based cultural strategy

Shaping experiences rooted in travel, craft, and context.

Philosophy

 My practice focuses on shaping artist-led, research-driven cultural frameworks that allow artists to engage new publics with integrity — while enabling hospitality partners to support culture in meaningful and sustainable ways.

What I do

I partner with hotels, cultural institutions, brands, and artists to shape long-term cultural strategy — defining how art and creativity live within a place over time.

This work helps hospitality partners create distinctive guest experiences while supporting artists and local cultural ecosystems.

& how I work

My work is strategic and advisory, focused on setting clear cultural direction rather than short-term production.

Each collaboration begins with listening and observation, before moving into definition and development.

Context & Research
Understanding place, ambition, audiences, and existing cultural ecosystems.

Framework & Direction
Defining cultural principles, formats, and direction that guide future projects and partnerships.

Partners & Realisation
Identifying artists, institutions, and collaborators, and supporting delivery in collaboration with in-house teams or trusted producers.

Selected Clients & Partners

Design Hotels

Belmond

Balenciaga

Wim Wenders Studio

Pernod-Ricard

Victoria & Albert Museum

Rosewood Elite

Salone del Mobile

About

Sydney Townsend is a London-based cultural experience strategist working internationally across the arts and travel industries.

With over a decade of experience collaborating with hotels and hospitality groups, cultural institutions, brands, and artists, she shapes programmes rooted in context — responding to local histories, materials, and creative ecosystems.

Sydney works closely with partners interested in building meaningful cultural programmes, from artist residencies and commissions to long-term planning. In select cases, she also advises on private journeys for individuals seeking thoughtful engagement with art, music, and place.

Enquiries and conversations are always welcome.