Sam De Santis Email & Phone Number

Glasgow, Gb

Glasgow, United Kingdom

Delivering a sustainable step-change in the Glasgow School of Art's alumni relations activities through the development, launch and delivery of the GSA Creative Network. It will be designed to increase and develop engagement between the GSA and its alumni community and amongst its alumni community with each other. The GSA Creative Network has been initiated to create a vibrant and dynamic new approach to supporting and maintaining relationships with our global networks.Currently the GSA has a Creative Network of over 22,000 students, graduates, industry partners, collaborators and supporters. Spanning all disciplines, representing a multitude of industries and residing in over 95 countries around the world our Network aims to connect one of the largest, most diverse creative communities and we want to strengthen these connections, establishing an invaluable resource for our students, graduates, the institution and external partners.

Glasgow, United Kingdom

Our alumni represent one of the largest networks of creative people with over 22,000 active members across the UK and internationally. At the Glasgow School of Art we value their stories want to support activity wherever it happens. Creating links for ideas to develop and creative enterprise to grow is at the heart of our alumni strategy and is the basis for establishing the new 'GSA Creative Network'​ initiative. Over the coming months I will help shape the institutions approach to this network and develop strategies to ensure that meaningful information is available and innovative ideas can get the support they need. Central to my approach is a belief that an active and open network of creatives can enhance careers, business and wider communities.If you have an alumni project or business that you would like to bring to my attention I would love to hear from you. Equally if you wanted to share any ideas you may have on how we can create a thriving Creative Network i'd be happy to hear them.

Glasgow, United Kingdom

Coordinated institutional aspects of the 2018 Undergraduate and Post Graduate degree shows. Duties included, securing licences, appointing security, securing drink providers, completing required health and safety aspects, consulting with staff and students and providing feed back on the process. The Degree show is the culmination of years of work for GSA's students and is the highlight of the academic calendar. It is a chance to open institutional doors to the public and demonstrate the extraordinary work that is produced. It is estimated that over 15,000 visitors came to this years events.

Glasgow, United Kingdom

Temporary cover as exhibitions coordinator for the Glasgow School of Art. I worked closely with the Director of exhibitions, artists, technical teams and external agencies to deliver a wide ranging exhibition programme over a three month period. Exhibitions included 'QE2: 50 Years later' curated by Professor Bruce Peter, 'To see this story better close your eyes' curated by Chole Reid, The Master of FIne Art interim show and 'War of Corners' by Artists Torsten Lauschman which was part of the DIrectors Programme for Glasgow International Festival 2018.

33 Broughton Place Edinburgh

Acting as a freelance consultant to identify opportunities for the company to reach new audiences and develop existing relationships. A key part of this role is the introduction and reconnection of people to the auction house, supporting them through the process and successfully facilitating the sale of art works.

Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

Chairperson for the independent Charity Friends of GSA which was established in 1990 to provide a solid base of support for the students at The Glasgow School of Art, as well as an opportunity for members to become more involved in the work of the School and its creative community.Since we have be working with the school, we have supported students with over £100,000 worth of support. including travel bursaries, publication funds, the Student Life prize, Garnethill community prizes at degree show, Graduate Purchase Prizes and enabled students to participate in London Fashion Week.

Glasgow, United Kingdom

www.selectedartistsworks.com‘Selected Artists’ Works’ (SAW) is a Glasgow based, independent platform established in 2016 to facilitate sales for emerging and unrepresented artists. The aim is to not only support the artists involved but also promote an engaging culture of buying and collecting that will help the wider artists community moving forward.We have collaborated with a selected group of 10 artists, building a considered, curated body of work that demonstrates the wide variety of styles, skills and processes that exist across the contemporary Scottish art scene. The artists included have been selected based on the high quality of their work and commitment to making.One of our key objectives is to financially support the artists involved ensuring that a minimum of 70% of each sale goes directly to them. In addition, we also support the buyer through a one-to-one tailored service, offering advice and information on our Artists, the works available, framing options, delivery and curatorial matters.“All to often I have seen potential first time buyers daunted by the contemporary art market, intimidated by white wall galleries and too shy to approach artists directly. The end result is they almost certainly leave empty handed and the work goes back into storage”In response to this, Selected Artists’ Works wants to take people on a journey through the acquisition process. We are firm believers that buying artwork should be enjoyable and strive to achieve this through our online platform.To date SAW has worked alongside Patricia Fleming Projects, SWG3 and Scotland Re:Designed with multiple exhibitions, events and collaborations planned for 2018. Over the course of the coming year we will also be developing our collection with new artists and new artworks. Be sure to join our mailing list through our site to get the latest news and information.

Undertook exploratory research into enterprise activity across The Glasgow School of Art. Producing an institution wide Map that shows; 1. formal partnerships embedded within the curriculum 2. student initiated projects and 3. informal links with external agencies. The research will look for trends, identify areas of good practice and communicate the thoughts of staff and students on this area.

Worked on two research posts1 - Mapping The Glasgow School of Arts degree show process incorporating all aspects and departments involved. This project enabled the school to assess it's processes, identify good practice, and make alterations where necessary. The supporting documents included a series of observations and recommendations.2 - Mapping the city wide resources available to Graduates of The GSA. This project looked at all the residency opportunities, studio providers, workshops, etc that are currently available in Glasgow.

Glasgow, United Kingdom

Co-ordinating the £750,000 Scottish Government funded bursary scheme to support the Fine Art Graduates affected by the Mackintosh fire of the 23rd May 2014. This programme saw 100 bursaries established sending graduates to 22 different national and international Art Schools across 15 countries and four continents, including; Pratt Institute, New York - Bergen Academy of the Arts, Norway - UDK, Berlin - California College of the Arts - Camberwell, London - Emily Carr Institute, Vancouver and Helsinki Academy of the Arts, Finland. The project also saw the establishment of a 50 person studio in Glasgow creating unique tutorial and workshop provision for all there.The Project culminated in a major exhibition held in the award winning Glasgow School of Art Reid Building between the 23rd July and 1st August 2015 with over 3000 people attending over the 10 days.

Glasgow, United Kingdom

As President of the Glasgow School of Art Students' Association I ensured all 1900 students were represented across all levels of the School as well as overseeing the business operation of a venue with a 500k+ annual turnover.Key achievements while in position.- Implemented the transfer of the un-incorperated Students' Association into a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO)- Steered the transfer for the Association establishing Limited status for the trading wing of the operation 'The Art School LTD'- Was on the panel chosen to select and interview the candidates for the Position of Director of the Glasgow School of Art- Was on the panel chosen to select the new Chair of the Board of Governors for the Glasgow School of Art.- Hosted the opening event of the £50 million GSA redevelopment, The Reid Building- Appeared along side The Director Tom Inns at the Education and culture select committee to represent the student response to the event of the 23rd May- Introduced institutional reforms across the area or Student Engagement and feedback to ensure parity and quality were paramount to the students experience.- Secured the funding to ensure the GSA Students' Association could reopen its Garnet Hill venue successfully.While in position i held the following titles;- President of the Glasgow School of Art Students' Association- Executive Trustee for 'The Glasgow School of Art Students' Association SCIO'- Executive board member for 'The Art School LTD'- Member of the Board of Governors of the Glasgow School of Art- Ambassador for the development Committee of the Glasgow School of Art

Bachelor'S Degree, Fine Art Photography, 2:1

Foundation, Art And Design, Distinction

A Levels, Photography, Media Studies, Art Design, A, A, A