The best corporate events don't feel like events. They feel like an experience someone genuinely thought about. That's what I do.
I'm Jolanda, an art historian and private guide with over 15 years of experience designing and leading bespoke cultural experiences across the UK and Europe. I work with companies to create moments that build relationships, reward teams, and make a lasting impression on clients — the kind of event people mention for months afterwards.
Whether you're looking for a private gallery evening in London, a guided day at a major museum, or a fully curated cultural itinerary for an executive trip to Florence or Madrid — I handle everything, so your team simply shows up and enjoys it.
I work with:
HR and L&D teams planning away-days and leadership retreats. Events and EA teams organising client entertainment. Companies looking for a distinctive alternative to the standard dinner or drinks reception.
What's included:
Full concept and planning. Private guided tour or multi-day itinerary. Groups of 10–50. UK and European locations. Completely tailored to your brief.
To discuss your next event, get in touch at info@exceptionalart.co.uk
To become a member please get in touch: cjolanda@icloud.com
Please contact me at info@exceptionalart.co.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Groups tend to be 15 participants, but it is hard to predict and can bit a bit more or a bit less depending on the dates. Very rarely it is more than 15 people (and there is a max, of 20)
There are most often no additional fee for tickets. But in rare instances, such as the upcoming trip to Cambridge in March 2026, there is an adiditonal fee added to cover the costs of ticket/special curator's tour.
I tend to do an introduction, then we tour exhibitions for about one hour and a half to one hour and 45 minutes. At regular intervals, I will present a certain aspect, either a general art historical aspect, a special focus on an artist or a work. In busy places, such as fairs, the time together tends to be a bit looser, free access to the fair as well as an introduction, you will then be able to visit the fair by yourself. There is a suggested time to regroup at the end. There are always lots of opportunities to ask questions and visit further. Sometimes guest curators and/or artist(s) may be present and speak instead of me the curator.
My curations provide breadth and depth on themes carefully prepared beforehand. This means you are given really engaging context to an exhibition, you save time organising an itiinerary and seraching yourself, and you get a really high quality informative session in a short amount of time. I also will take you to places you won't have explored for yourself and my clients tell me I make the art world accessible and free of intimidation. The mix of places we visit also allow a bit of walking in-between them, it gives time for small breaks and to connect with other participants in a very relaxed way. There is no need to know anything before hand and the groups really feel very inclusive to any newcomer.
Membership includes a minimum of 8 events. Both years of membership schemes since it was launched have seen additional events added along the year as new opportunities arose. In the last year, members were invited to 12 different events in London! Every year is different, and if I have to cancel a date, or you can't make a rescheduled date, I will reimburse you pro rata.
The tours are first and foremost an opportunity to engage with art. However, for anyone interested in acquiring a work by artists we visit, it is standard practice in the art world that all enquiries go through the curator & art advisor who introduces to the art. This ensures clarity for all parties, and supports the sustainability of the programme. In some cases, I may also be able to secure a discount, which I will share with you. For all these reasons, please always keep me in the loop if you are considering a purchase, even if your interest rises later after a visit. It is not uncommon that it can take a long time until one is ready to purchase an artwork.
"Jolanda's expertise and enthusiasm make contemporary art approachable and engaging for everyone in a relaxed and personal atmosphere."
"You are the best-kept secret in London!"
“Jolanda has a great knowledge and loves sharing it. She unlocks the secrets of modern and contemporary art.”