Whether it’s Alexander McQueen at the V&A, the permanent collections at the Uffizi or Van Gogh at the MET, getting in to summer’s hottest exhibitions usually takes months of forward thinking and ticket booking - all of which is hardly compatible with a spontaneous jaunt on shore. Now, however, there is finally a solution.
Founded by ex-Sotheby’s colleagues Marlies Verhoeven and Daisy Peat, The Cultivist is a global art club promising members a bespoke experience at the exhibition, show or fair of their choosing. Based between London and New York, Verhoeven and Peat have drawn on their extensive network to secure partnerships with over 100 museums including the Royal Academy, Tate, Vatican, Uffizi and Louvre and fairs such as Frieze, Art Basel and FIAC to create a super-exclusive club that every art lover will be clamouring to join.
So how does it work? Membership costs £1,900 per year and spots are capped at 1,000 so you’re going to have to prove yourself if you want to get in. Potential candidates will be interviewed but, once accepted, receive a membership card featuring a hand-drawn ‘ID’ portrait by Miranda Donovan and join a club that truly represents the world’s artistic elite.
Better yet, once membership has been paid, that’s it. Everything is included. Want to impress (up to three of) your friends with skip-the-line access at MoMA? Go right ahead. Fancy a private guided tour of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection? Give 24 hours notice and it’s all yours.
From VIP access to the key international art fairs, to unique event invitations and artist studio visits, all your art viewing needs will be fully taken care of. Plus, The Cultivist promises that a portion of every membership fee goes directly to their partners so you can enjoy the exhibitions knowing you’ve done your bit to support them.
The company also offers 24/7 customer service, quarterly newsletters so you know which exhibitions to add to your agenda and a handy travel app so you can make the most of your chosen city outside the art galleries. Membership applications are now open; we suggest you put your name on the list sharpish.
Visit thecultivist.com