We were lucky to catch up with Ombretta Andruff recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ombretta, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Becoming a contemporary art curator unfolded in a remarkably natural manner for me. While still in university, I came to the realization that pursuing a career as an artist wasn’t my calling. Yet, I found immense fulfillment in immersing myself in the creative process and collaborating with artists. Hence, the path of becoming a curator seamlessly blended my passion for art with my penchant for collaboration.
Over nearly two decades, I cultivated a rewarding international curatorial practice. However, as time passed, I yearned for something more substantial than one-off curatorial endeavors. I craved a long-term project—one with tangible and enduring impact on the world beyond gallery walls.
Relocating from the vibrant hustle of New York City to the coastal charm of Miami reignited my connection with the ocean and rekindled my passion for the aquatic realm. My extended periods spent amidst the waves unveiled the stark reality of the climate crisis and human-induced pollution wreaking havoc on our precious water bodies. Once this awareness took root, there was no turning a blind eye.
Thus, ARTSail emerged—a vessel to merge my expertise in contemporary art with my newfound devotion to safeguarding our waterways. In this endeavor, I discovered my purpose.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am an Italian-born freelance curator and devoted ocean advocate. My professional journey has unfolded across vibrant and diverse locations: New York City, my residence for 15 years; Miami Beach, my home for the past twelve years; and Turin, Italy, my hometown, and where I’ve increasingly spent time since late 2022.
Central to my curatorial career is an independent approach, which has propelled me to traverse the globe in collaborations with artists, galleries, and institutions. These ventures, though often arduous, have been wellsprings of knowledge, honing my versatility in adapting to varied work environments and partnering with diverse stakeholders.
My projects and exhibitions encompass a diverse range of mediums, transgressing the ever-blurring lines between visual art, sound, dance, architecture, and design. Each endeavor explores the exhibition’s thematic focus from multifaceted viewpoints and contexts.
Beyond my curatorial pursuits, my heart is drawn to aquatic realms—I am an avid swimmer, diver, and kiteboarder. My immersion in Miami’s coastal environment kindled the creation of ARTSail, a multi-faceted venture that catalyzes climate-conscious creativity. The launch of ARTSail spurred a shift in my approach, kindling an activist ethos. I now confront the specter of climate crisis and human-induced pollution not solely through curatorial channels, but also by orchestrating workshops, panel dialogues, and diverse outreach programs. These endeavors extend my reach beyond the confines of conventional art spaces, linking with audiences far and wide.
While we do programming all year around, the World Ocean Celebration has become our flagship event, Since 2021, to honor World Ocean Day, on June 8, ARTSail has partnered with another Miami-based non-profit, Blue Scholars Initiative, to present the World Ocean Celebration. Designed to raise awareness on ocean conservation, the weekend program provides free activities ranging from art, recreation and impact to science, education and entertainment bringing together South Florida youth and community members to enjoy, engage with, and protect our ONE World Ocean.
Another exciting project we are working on is the Sheroes of the Ocean platform, aimed at illuminating the remarkable narratives of women who play pivotal roles in ocean conservation. Spanning a diverse spectrum, these women include artists, cultural producers, marine biologists, environmentalists, oceanographers, and activists. Devoting their lives to comprehending, safeguarding, and preserving our oceans, these individuals not only captivate us with their compelling stories but also underscore the pressing need for heightened awareness regarding the imperative care of our marine ecosystems.
Originating in 2020 as ARTSail Conversations, the series has steadily evolved. To date, we have featured 14 women from the United States, Japan, Estonia, Mexico, and Brazil. Through a range of formats, including online one-on-one interviews and in-person panel discussions at our annual flagship event—the World Ocean Celebration, typically organized around June 8th to commemorate World Ocean Day—we have fostered engaging dialogues.
Our next venture involves an expansion of the platform. We are set to produce short films that delve into the lives of each Sheroe, accompanied by the establishment of a dedicated website and a robust social media presence. This initiative seeks to create a global network that not only supports and sustains the efforts of these Sheroes but also fosters mutual support among them.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Seeking a fresh perspective, I turned to my husband, who’s been my trusted collaborator on numerous projects. Together, we identified three key skills that define my approach to work and passions:
Drive: When I’m passionate about something, obstacles only fuel my determination. I relentlessly pursue my goals, refusing to accept “no” as an answer, and leveraging every resource available to me.
Clarity of Vision: I possess a keen ability to vividly visualize the endgame. With this clarity, I chart a precise course toward achieving my objectives, keeping the ultimate goal firmly in sight throughout the journey.
Soft Approach: Despite my unwavering determination, I’m conscious of balancing assertiveness with empathy. I strive to ensure that my resolve isn’t mistaken for arrogance by embracing a collaborative mindset. This involves a willingness to entertain alternative perspectives, engage in constructive dialogue, and make compromises when necessary—all while safeguarding the integrity of the overarching vision.
These skills not only shape my professional endeavors but also underscore my personal ethos, guiding me as I navigate challenges and pursue my aspirations.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Funding is definitively the number one challenge we continue to encounter. We have a nimble and yet mighty team of collaborators and volunteers, and while we are proud of all that we accomplished over the past 5 years, we know that so much more could be done if we stood on more stable financial grounds.
Fundraising for a small organization at the intersection of art and environmental advocacy poses a unique set of challenges but also offers rich opportunities for creativity and innovation. The fusion of art and environmental advocacy can be a powerful force for change, inspiring communities to engage with environmental issues in new and meaningful ways. However, navigating the financial landscape can be daunting.
One of the primary challenges is convincing potential donors of the value and impact of this interdisciplinary approach. Traditional donors may be more accustomed to supporting either artistic endeavors or environmental causes separately, making it challenging to secure funding for initiatives that blend the two. Moreover, measuring the concrete impact of artistic projects on environmental outcomes can be complex, requiring nuanced evaluation metrics beyond the traditional quantitative measures. As a result, small organizations working in this space must invest time and resources in crafting compelling narratives that articulate the transformative potential of their work. This might involve highlighting the role of art in fostering emotional connections to nature, driving awareness, and mobilizing action for environmental conservation.
Additionally, building partnerships with like-minded organizations, leveraging networks within both the arts and environmental sectors, can amplify fundraising efforts and enhance credibility. Ultimately, successful fundraising for such organizations hinges on effectively communicating the intrinsic value of art as a catalyst for environmental advocacy and securing buy-in from donors who share a passion for both causes.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artsail.info
www.ombrettaagro.com - Instagram: @art_sail @ombrainbow
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARTSailResidency/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ombretta-agro-andruff-2925a614/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHt-Al0GOYHjUSQ9IRYHGxw
