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Sarah Mann

Creative Strategy Manager, Vision & Cultural Engagement @JLR

Sarah Mann is a seasoned programme lead and commissioner with an extensive professional background spanning over 15 years in the public and not-for-profit sectors. With an emphasis on creating and delivering high-profile public programmes, Sarah brings a wealth of experience in partnership building, stakeholder management, and team leadership. Her innovative approach to cultural projects has significantly contributed to enhancing the design landscape and cultural discourse globally.

From 2016 to 2019, Sarah made a remarkable impact as the commissioner for the British Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale. In this prestigious role, she was instrumental in shaping the strategy and creative direction of the Architecture, Design, and Fashion Team at the British Council. Under her leadership, the team successfully established collaborative links between UK designers and cultural institutions across the globe, fostering a myriad of projects that highlight the richness of creative expression in architecture and design.

In addition to her role at the British Council, Sarah continues to contribute to the academic and artistic community as a board member at the University of the Underground. As a Fellow of the RSA (Royal Society for the Arts) and a trustee of Create London, she remains dedicated to advancing the conversation around design and creative innovation.

Before her time at the British Council, Sarah served as the Programme Manager for Connect ZA, a dynamic three-year arts initiative aimed at building connections between emerging creative industries in the UK and South Africa. During this period, she commissioned several impactful projects, including the Maker Library Network in collaboration with Daniel Charny, which was a key contribution to Cape Town's World Design Capital, and the Joburg Photo Umbrella in partnership with the Brighton Photo Biennial and the Market Photo Workshop.

Earlier in her career, between 2008 and 2012, Sarah played a pivotal role at Somerset House, first as an Assistant Curator and subsequently as the Head of Learning and Participation. She was part of a curatorial team that produced a groundbreaking series of exhibitions and public programmes, including renowned projects such as SHOWstudio: Fashion Revolution, Pick Me Up: Graphic Arts Fair, Maison Margiela 20, and Tim Walker: Storyteller. These exhibitions not only showcased significant works of contemporary design and art but also engaged the public in meaningful discussions about their relevance and impact.

Sarah's educational foundation is equally impressive, having completed her MA in Curating Contemporary Design at Kingston University in collaboration with the Design Museum. Her undergraduate studies were in the History of Design at the University of Brighton, where she developed a strong appreciation and understanding of design's cultural and historical contexts. This blend of academic and practical experiences positions Sarah as a thought leader in her field, allowing her to craft enriching programmes that resonate with diverse audiences.

Related Questions

How did Sarah Mann's experiences as a commissioner at the Venice Architecture Biennale influence her approach to public art programmes?
What strategies did Sarah Mann implement to build successful partnerships between UK and South African creative industries during her time at the British Council?
In what ways has Sarah Mann contributed to the academic community as a board member of the University of the Underground?
What were the key elements of the exhibitions Sarah Mann worked on at Somerset House that helped drive public engagement?
How has Sarah Mann's education in curating and design influenced her professional journey and her impact in the arts sector?
Sarah Mann
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Location

London Area, United Kingdom