Join us for an engaging online discussion between renowned UK-based Lebanese collector Maria Sukkar, founder of the ISelf Collection, and Adjunct Curator Emily Butler.
In this one-hour online discussion, Maria Sukkar discusses her journey as philanthropist, how Sukkar came to establish the ISelf Collection (London), in addition to her championing of the visual arts with a focus on photography and the Middle East region. Discussions will include her future vision for the collection as well as philanthropic activities carried out through the collection.
The talk is part of the special 10 th anniversary “Conversations on Collecting” series - an ongoing public program delivered in person and via Zoom – that bring together collectors, curators and experts in an exploration of contemporary art and collecting practices. Key topics include the close relationship between collecting and philanthropy, from nurturing artistic talent, building community to leaving transformational legacies.
Maria Sukkar holds key positions across leading art institutions. She is Co-Chair of Tate’s Middle Eastern Acquisitions Committee and also serves on its Photography Acquisitions Committee and International Council. She is a trustee of the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) and a member of the British Museum’s CaMMEA committee for Middle Eastern Art. Her advisory roles extend to the Delfina Foundation and Hayward Gallery’s Commissioning Committee.
Maria actively supports institutions including The Showroom, Chisenhale Gallery, Camden Art Centre, South London Gallery, and Beirut Art Centre. Internationally, she contributes to the Guggenheim Museum’s Directors Circle, the New Museum International Leadership Council, and serves as a trustee of Bidoun in New York. She is also on the Advisory Board of Photo London and curated their Positions section.
Beyond art, Maria serves on the Advisory Board of Boston University’s Pardee School, the President’s Arts Council, and is Vice-Chair of Chain of Hope UK and is a Trustee at the Children Cancer Centre of Lebanon.
Central to the ISelf Collection is identity, with particular reference to the human condition. Through painting, sculpture and photography the themes.
The international talk series is co-curated by Director Lisa Baldissera and Adjunct Curator Emily Butler.