From Art in Hotel Rooms to Global Galleries: How Minor Attractions Is Changing the London Scene + exclusive interviews

On this week’s episode of All About Art, I take you behind the scenes of London’s vibrant art scene during Frieze Week to one of the most popular alternative art fairs in town: I visit Minor Attractions art fair, launched three years ago with a mission to make contemporary art more accessible and community-focused. In the episode, I chat with a gallerist, an artist, and one of the fair’s co-founders about how the fair creates a dynamic space for art, performance, and nightlife - all housed within the unique setting of the Mandrake Hotel. I explore how Minor Attractions stands out from larger fairs with its affordable participation fees, free-form exhibitions, and lively, nightclub-like atmosphere. Plus, I share my thoughts on the fair’s role in reimagining what an art fair can be and why it’s capturing the attention of the London art scene.

Check it out here: https://minorattractions.com/

Featuring interviews with Jacob Barnes, co-founder of Minor Attractions, Yarran Gatsby, co-founder of LAILA Gallery, and artist Isabella Benshimol Toro

YOU CAN SUPPORT ALL ABOUT ART ON PATREON HERE: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/allaboutart⁠

FOLLOW ALL ABOUT ART ON INSTAGRAM HERE: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/allaboutartpodcast/⁠

ABOUT THE HOST:

I am an Austrian-American art historian, curator, and writer. I obtained my BA in History of Art at University College London and my MA in Arts Administration and Cultural Policy at Goldsmiths, University of London. My specializations are in contemporary art and the contemporary art market along with accessibility, engagement, and the demystification of the professional art sector.

Here are links to my social media, feel free to reach out:

• Instagram⁠ @alexandrasteinacker ⁠

• Twitter ⁠@alex_steinacker⁠

• and LinkedIn at ⁠Alexandra Steinacker-Clark⁠

COVER ART: Lisa Schrofner a.k.a Liser⁠ ⁠⁠www.liser-art.com⁠ and Luca Laurence www.lucalaurence.com

On this week’s episode of All About Art, I give you some detailed insights into the press trip to Bradford, UK’s City of Culture 2025, and my experience of the Turner Prize shortlisted exhibition. In the episode, I explore the significance of the Turner Prize (especially during JMW Turner’s 250th anniversary year), discuss cultural accessibility and regional programming, and take you through each artist’s installation at Cartwright Hall. Featuring insights on Nnena Kalu, Rene Matić, Zadie Xa, and Mohammed Sami, plus thoughts on decentralizing culture and an unexpected discovery at Salts Mill featuring Ann Hamilton’s site-specific work.

Check it out here! https://bradford2025.co.uk/programme/turner-prize-2025/

YOU CAN SUPPORT ALL ABOUT ART ON PATREON HERE: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/allaboutart⁠

FOLLOW ALL ABOUT ART ON INSTAGRAM HERE: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/allaboutartpodcast/⁠

ABOUT THE HOST:

I am an Austrian-American art historian, curator, and writer. I obtained my BA in History of Art at University College London and my MA in Arts Administration and Cultural Policy at Goldsmiths, University of London. My specializations are in contemporary art and the contemporary art market along with accessibility, engagement, and the demystification of the professional art sector.

Here are links to my social media, feel free to reach out:

• Instagram⁠ @alexandrasteinacker ⁠

• Twitter ⁠@alex_steinacker⁠

• and LinkedIn at ⁠Alexandra Steinacker-Clark⁠

COVER ART: Lisa Schrofner a.k.a Liser⁠ ⁠⁠www.liser-art.com⁠ and Luca Laurence www.lucalaurence.com

Art, Tech, & Streamlining Sales (in a Tech-phobic Industry), with First Thursday Founder Callum Hale-Thomson

In this episode, I sat down with Callum Hale-Thomson, founder of the art tech company First Thursday, a platform for commercial galleries that helps teams surface insights, streamline sales and strengthen collector relationships.

In this episode, Callum shares what sparked his interest in the art world and the origins of First Thursday - how it was born in early 2024, how it’s evolved since then, and the unique perspective it offers to art businesses like contemporary art galleries.

Plus, we dive into the role of AI in the art industry - how it’s transforming workflows and what it means for galleries and art businesses. Callum shares his insights on navigating industry challenges, especially as a startup in a traditionally tech-averse space, and his vision for the future of First Thursday.

Thank you Callum for coming on the podcast!

You can follow First Thursday on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/first_thursday/

You can check out First Thursday here: https://www.first-thursday.com/

YOU CAN SUPPORT ALL ABOUT ART ON PATREON HERE: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/allaboutart⁠

FOLLOW ALL ABOUT ART ON INSTAGRAM HERE: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/allaboutartpodcast/⁠

ABOUT THE HOST:

I am an Austrian-American art historian, curator, and writer. I obtained my BA in History of Art at University College London and my MA in Arts Administration and Cultural Policy at Goldsmiths, University of London. My specializations are in contemporary art and the contemporary art market along with accessibility, engagement, and the demystification of the professional art sector.

Here are links to my social media, feel free to reach out:

• Instagram⁠ @alexandrasteinacker ⁠

• Twitter ⁠@alex_steinacker⁠

• and LinkedIn at ⁠Alexandra Steinacker-Clark⁠

This episode is produced at Synergy https://synergy.tech/the-clubhouse/the-podcast-studio/

COVER ART: Lisa Schrofner a.k.a Liser⁠ ⁠⁠www.liser-art.com⁠ and Luca Laurence www.lucalaurence.com