We’re shining a light on Art Bank consultant Claudio Marzano to celebrate his ten years of service with us. In his position, Claudio guides clients from organizations and businesses across the country and abroad through the Art Bank collection in search of the perfect art for their workplaces.
Claudio in the Art Bank racks
Beyond blank walls
“Many of our clients come to us after being surrounded by blank walls and empty floor space for too long,” Claudio said in a recent interview. “Once they find and display artworks that convey what they envisioned in their hearts and minds, it is nearly impossible to go back to living in the absence of art.”
Clients have access to the Art Bank collection’s 17,000 artworks— the world’s largest collection of Canadian contemporary art. Through an affordable public rental program, artworks can be leased for as little as $60 a year.
Curatorial work: a group effort
Claudio brings more than 20 years of curatorial experience and artistic forays as a multimedia illustrator to his art consultant position. “I am a collector and arranger at heart,” Claudio noted in his interview. “That’s what I do when I study, when I collect records and DJ, when I cook, when I curate, and when I work as an art consultant at the Art Bank.”
Claudio initially meets with clients—in person or virtually—to consider artworks. The diverse client base ranges from novice art lovers to experienced researchers and collectors.
“We each bring unique perspectives and interpretations to the works before us, regardless of our social, economic, or academic backgrounds,” Claudio explained. “Contrary to popular belief, the very best kind of curatorial work is a group effort. It is actually a collaboration that includes the client, designers, architects, art handlers, restorers and framers.”
Claudio and his team of technicians installing a selection of Art Bank artworks
Shh! They'll Hear You on the Other Side
Claudio thrives on new challenges when assembling groups of new works. Take for example, his collaboration several years ago with a high-ranking official within Canada’s intelligence community who asked him to gather artworks under a spy theme. “I was able to find dozens of relevant options across different styles and media,” he noted, “including sculpture and photography, many of which the client is still displaying in his office to this day.”
William Eakin, Ghost Month (video camera) 5277 (2003)
Paul Till, Shh! They'll Hear You on the Other Side (1984)
Art is essential
Reflecting on the impact of his work this past decade, Claudio noted, “Art makes a tremendous difference in all our daily lives. Sometimes we forget just how essential to our wellbeing art is.”
Contact Claudio to find out how the Art Bank collection can make a difference in your daily life.