GEMMA ROLLS BENTLEY
CO-CHAIR
CHIEF CURATOR - AVANT ARTE
She/Her
I’ve been working in the arts for over a decade, working directly with artists, as a curator and at the intersection of art + technology. Currently I am the Chief Curator of Avant Arte. Previously I was the Curatorial Director for the leading online art platform, Artsy. I joined Artsy to support the business’s mission to expand the art market to support more artists and art around the world and have worked in a variety of roles within the company. I’m also a guest lecturer for the Royal College of Art and an advisor to cultural projects and early stage startups.
I have held numerous voluntary positions with charities, including Deptford X and East London Fawcett and I’m delighted to be working with such a fabulous group of passionate trustees at Queercircle.
I’m an advocate for queer families and often speak publicly about my experience since becoming a parent in 2019. I live in South East London with my wife and two sons.
I’m super excited for Queercircle to facilitate intergenerational connections and learning opportunities. I believe that it’s important to honour and reflect on our history as well as maintaining an understanding of the ever evolving joys and challenges experienced by the community. Art can be a powerful vehicle in expressing our lived experiences, our fears, our solidarity and our dreams for the future. I can’t wait for Queercircle to offer a physical home for LGBTQ+ art and culture in London as well as providing an international platform via the online programming that’s already underway.
