Kathleen Soriano

With over 35 years’ experience in the art world, Kathleen has been responsible for contemporary and historical exhibitions, collections and public programmes at the National Portrait Gallery, London and the Royal Academy of Arts, where she was Artistic Director (2009-14), as well as at the independent art gallery Compton Verney, where she was Director.

In 2014 she set up her own business, working on various artistic and cultural projects, curating exhibitions and advising museums and private collectors, both in the UK and internationally. Regularly called upon to take up senior interim roles, she is currently Director at Hastings Contemporary. She also works directly with artists, supporting them in the strategic development of their careers. A qualified coach, Kathleen works closely with some of the UK’s most senior leaders in the cultural sector.

Kathleen has a deep understanding of governance, currently Chairing the Liverpool Biennial, and with previous roles that included the strategic committee of the Grand Palais, Paris, the Wellcome Collection exhibition advisory group, the Sainsbury Centre, University of East Anglia board, the Churches Conservation Trust’s Art Advisory group, 2 Temple Place and Art UK. She is also a Specialist Advisor to the National Trust, an Honorary Kentucky Colonel, and was awarded the State Order of Merit by Lithuania for her achievements on behalf of Lithuanian artists.

She has lectured extensively and contributed to over 15 publications on art and artists. Her book Madam and Eve on women artists, co-authored with Liz Rideal, was published in April 2018. Her broadcast activities include the eleven series of Portrait and Landscape Artist of the Year for Sky Arts.