Sophie Vander

Sophie Vander is the Founder and Director of Curatorial+Co., a leading Australian art consultancy and contemporary gallery specialising in the integration of original contemporary art within hotels, workplaces, residential developments, public spaces and private collections. Since founding the business in 2015, she has built Curatorial+Co. into a nationally recognised consultancy delivering bespoke art strategies and commissioning programs for architects, interior designers, developers and hospitality groups across Australia and Asia-Pacific.

With a background in fine art and spatial curation, Sophie is recognised for creating art collections that respond authentically to architecture, landscape and local identity. She believes the most successful art programs are conceived as an integral part of the design process, strengthening a project's narrative while creating memorable and meaningful experiences for the people who inhabit those spaces.

Under Sophie's direction, Curatorial+Co. has delivered major art consultancy projects for luxury hotels, hospitality venues, workplaces, residential developments and public environments, overseeing every stage of the process - from strategic planning and artist commissioning through to procurement, fabrication and installation. Her practice champions original contemporary art while balancing creative ambition with commercial objectives, project delivery and long-term asset value.

Alongside the consultancy, Sophie leads Curatorial+Co.'s gallery exhibition program, which actively develops the careers of emerging, mid-career and established Australian artists. She is passionate about creating opportunities that extend beyond the traditional gallery model, connecting artists with architects, designers, developers, collectors and communities through thoughtfully curated projects.

Areas of Expertise

• Art strategy and master planning for hotels, hospitality, workplace, residential and commercial developments

• Creative direction and curatorial vision for the built environment

• Commissioning Australian and international artists for site-specific artworks

• Developing place-based art narratives that respond to architecture, culture and Country

• Art procurement, artist engagement and project delivery

• Public art strategy, integrated art and cultural placemaking

• Collection development for commercial, corporate and private clients

• Fabrication oversight, logistics, installation and quality assurance

• Stakeholder engagement with architects, interior designers, developers and project teams

• Gallery representation, artist career development and exhibition curation

• International art fair participation and overseas market development for Australian contemporary artists

August 2026

Bachelor of Art Theory, College of Fine Arts, University of New South Wales (1995)