The Mind Control of Mount Making with Alex Abbott, Director of Dauphin

In this episode, I sat down with Alex Abbott, Art Consultant and Director of Dauphin, a company that specializes in displays and mounts.

I speak to Alex about what his company does - which a lot of you have certainly come into contact with but not been fully aware of. Alex does the unseen work of ensuring the objects we view and love in museums, galleries, and homes are mounted with safety and care. That ancient jug you saw last week at the Museum of Natural History? That was mounted and tilted at a 40 degree angle by Alex and his team, but his main objectives are not to impress the viewer with his skills of mounting a work of art or history - his objective is that his work remains as invisible as possible while keeping whatever it is he is working with, safe.

I speak to Alex about the artworks he has worked with in the past, including Barbara Heptworth sculptures and suits of armor. I ask him what sort of things need to be considered when consulting on how works of art or objects should be displayed, and also what its like to be director of a company at quite a young age - he took the helm of Dauphin at just 25 years old. We talk about the psychology of displays, the unseen work of mount makers in the arts, so much more.

Thank you Alex for coming on the podcast!

You can follow Dauphin on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/dauphinacrylic/

You can check out Dauphin here: https://www.dauphin.co.uk/

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

Research and Creative Assistant: Iris Epstein

My forthcoming book Working in Art has officially beeen announced as available for pre-order, with publication coming in April 2026.

So, on this week’s episode of All About Art, I walk you through what went into creating this book - the travel to 9 cities across 5 countries, the interviews with arts professionals I deeply admire, and the honest moments of self-doubt along the way. I explain why I felt this book needed to exist: the arts and cultural sector contributes £19.1 billion to the UK economy annually, yet fewer than 8 state schools offer History of Art at A-level. How are young people supposed to know what career paths are available if we don’t show them?

This episode is more personal than usual. I talk about the process of organizing interviews, editing down lengthy transcripts, and working through the fear of whether my own writing was good enough. I also share who this book is for - whether you’re considering entering the arts sector, already working in it, or simply curious about the range of careers that exist beyond artist or gallerist.

You can pre-order the book here: https://www.alexandrasteinacker.com/book

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 ⁠

• 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

Research and Creative Assistant: Iris Epstein

New episode of ‘All About Art’: Designing a Fair Marketplace for Artists and Collectors with Bibi Zavieh, Founder of newcube

In this episode, I sat down with Bibi Zavieh, Founder of newcube.art, an artist platform and art advisory.

I speak to Bibi about her experiences at Christie’s and ArtNet before she ventured into entrepreneurship and launched newcube right before the covid lockdowns.

I ask her about how she works with both artists as well as collectors, and how this new business model fits into the art ecosystem. We delve into what it means to collect art today, to gain art market expertise and develop an “eye”, so much more.

Thank you Bibi for coming on the podcast!

• You can follow newcube on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/newcube.art/?hl=en
• You can check out newcube here: https://www.newcube.art/

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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

Hot Take / Art Break: Why the Art World's Tech-Phobia Is Burning Us Out (video podcast)

This week, I'm tackling a question that might make some people uncomfortable: Why does the art world resist technology?

We celebrate experimentation and boundary-pushing in artistic practice, but when it comes to the everyday operations of galleries, institutions, and artist support systems, we're still relying on workflows that haven't meaningfully changed in decades. From unpaid interns spending entire days resizing JPEGs and searching through disorganized folders, to galleries operating at the edge of capacity because basic administrative tasks consume all available time, the operational stagnation is real, and it's burning people out.

In this episode, I explore why the resistance exists (spoiler: it's cultural, not technical), what the consequences are for artists, gallerists, and emerging professionals, and why adopting technology isn't about replacing human expertise. Instead, it's about making the art world livable. I'm not talking about AI-generated art or NFT speculation. I'm talking about digital archives, CRM systems, and tools that free up mental space for the work that actually matters: thinking, researching, curating, and connecting.

It's time we stopped treating exhaustion as a badge of honor and started asking: What could the art world look like if we worked smarter, not just harder?

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

Research and Creative Assistant: Iris Epstein

🎙️🇮🇹 The Venice Biennale Fellowship – A Career-Changing Opportunity for Emerging Arts Professionals

In this special bonus episode of All About Art, I’m sharing some incredibly exciting news: NXT GEN is partnering with the British Council to send one of our members as a Fellow on a fully funded, month-long residency to the Venice Biennale 2026! If you’re an emerging arts professional within the first 5 years of your career, this episode is essential listening.

I walk through everything you need to know about the Venice Biennale – its 130-year history, the wild energy of opening week (think: superyachts, Rick Owens airport raves, and endless Aperol Spritzes), and what Fellows actually do during their residency. You’ll spend half your time working as an Exhibition Ambassador at the British Pavilion and the other half pursuing your own independent research or creative project. It’s fully funded, includes mentorship from me, and could genuinely be a career-defining experience.

I also share the moving story behind the 2026 edition, “In Minor Keys,” conceived by the late curator Koyo Kouoh – the first African woman to curate the Venice Biennale. Her vision of art as quiet resistance and emotional transformation is being realized by her curatorial team, and as a Fellow, you’d be part of bringing her ideas into conversation with visitors from around the world.

Whether you’re thinking of applying, know someone who should, or simply want to understand more about how opportunities like this can shape careers in the arts, this episode is for you.

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

📚 Book Review: Inner Light - Chris Levine on Portraiture, Meditation & Photographing the Queen

On this week’s episode of All About Art, I’m reviewing one of the most beautiful and meditative art books I’ve encountered: Inner Light by Chris Levine. This stunning monograph chronicles Levine’s most iconic portrait work, from Queen Elizabeth II and Kate Moss to Grace Jones and the Dalai Lama, and offers rare insight into his deeply spiritual creative process. I explore how Levine strips away the distractions of fashion and styling to capture something much deeper: the inner essence, the stillness, the light within his subjects. From the story of how he picked out the Queen’s outfit for their shoot (!!!), to photographing the Dalai Lama at a Heathrow hotel while in rehab, the book is full of intimate, behind-the-scenes moments that reveal both the artist’s vulnerability and his vision.

Excitingly, I also share an exclusive interview with Chris himself, where we discuss his relationship to art history, how his practice extends far beyond portraiture into experimental technology and meditation, and what it’s like to overcome imposter syndrome at career-defining moments (I also ask the cheeky question of whether he had to sign an NDA when photographing Banksy).

Thank you Chris for coming on the podcast!

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

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