President & Chief Creative Officer
Marla is an art consultant and independent museum curator heading Pursuits Inc., the art advisory firm she founded in 2007.
With three decades of collecting experience, Marla is passionate about its rewards and sensitive to its complexities. Compelled by art’s unique ability to impact the many layers of today’s culture, Marla believes that art’s crossovers with technology, fashion, design, and politics create a stage of opportunity and conversation. As an art specialist, Marla’s expertise is wide-ranging, with projects from Pop to contemporary and new media art. Pursuits Inc. combines Marla’s business savvy with her intellectual perspective. She has curated multiple museum exhibitions in Canada and is actively developing future projects.
Marla is an Arts Contributor, writing on the business of collecting, as well as on topics in art history. Inclusion in national publications and media features have allowed Marla to critically engage with the art community and offer her insights. She considers it important to participate in dialogues of current relevancy and those of historical significance in order to expand her own perspectives through stimulating interactions.
Dedicated to both the local and international art communities, Marla has supported national public galleries and art advisory committees in a volunteer capacity. She has also held positions that liaise with international galleries, such as Tate Modern in London.
Marla is proud to have spearheaded the "Pursuits Salon”, which offers young Canadian creatives mentorship with established curators and local museum directors through inspirational events. Collaboration and community-minded thinking are pillars of her personal and professional philosophy.
Marla is an executive member of the Association of Professional Art Advisors (APAA).
NEW YORK
DIRECTOR
Sarah Zippel joined the Pursuits team in 2017. Currently based in New York City, Sarah oversees local and international acquisitions for Pursuits' US-based clients. She has 10 years of experience working in museums, art galleries, art advisory, consulting and investor relations. She has in-depth knowledge of exhibition development and collection management. Sarah received her MA in Art Business from the Sotheby’s Institute of Art, London, UK and her BA in Classics, Renaissance Studies and Art History from the University of Toronto.
TORONTO
CREATIVE STRATEGIST
Miriam Arbus is a creative strategist and project manager focused on evolving possibilities for artists and brands. With in-depth knowledge across the spectrums of digital art and web3 tech, Miriam helps brands embrace innovation. Miriam has led immersive and contemporary installations around the globe, and brings over 12 years of experience working in art galleries, and institutions. Miriam received a BFA in Art History from Concordia University, and an MA in Contemporary Art Theory from the University of Toronto.
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER
Astrid Kwok is an art advisor and researcher based in Toronto, specializing in building and managing private collections. Astrid’s expertise in research, curation, and organizing significant art exhibitions and experience working in the Asian market brings valuable insights to the Pursuits team. She holds an MA in Art History and a BSocSc in Art History and Politics from the University of Hong Kong. Fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, Astrid combines her passion for art with a client-centric approach.
NEW YORK
DIRECTOR
Sarah Zippel joined the Pursuits team in 2017. Currently based in New York City, Sarah oversees local and international acquisitions for Pursuits' US-based clients. She has 10 years of experience working in museums, art galleries, art advisory, consulting and investor relations. She has in-depth knowledge of exhibition development and collection management. Sarah received her MA in Art Business from the Sotheby’s Institute of Art, London, UK and her BA in Classics, Renaissance Studies and Art History from the University of Toronto.
TORONTO
CREATIVE STRATEGIST
Miriam Arbus is a creative strategist and project manager focused on evolving possibilities for artists and brands. With in-depth knowledge across the spectrums of digital art and web3 tech, Miriam helps brands embrace innovation. Miriam has led immersive and contemporary installations around the globe, and brings over 12 years of experience working in art galleries, and institutions. Miriam received a BFA in Art History from Concordia University, and an MA in Contemporary Art Theory from the University of Toronto.
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER
Astrid Kwok is an art advisor and researcher based in Toronto, specializing in building and managing private collections. Astrid’s expertise in research, curation, and organizing significant art exhibitions and experience working in the Asian market brings valuable insights to the Pursuits team. She holds an MA in Art History and a BSocSc in Art History and Politics from the University of Hong Kong. Fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, Astrid combines her passion for art with a client-centric approach.
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