Strauss & Co, Africa’s leading art auction house, has significantly strengthened its global ambitions with the appointment of an Advisory Board comprising four distinguished professionals: Millard Arnold, Heba El Kayal, Liesl Fichardt, and Greg Maloka. This newly established consultative body marks a pivotal step in Strauss & Co’s efforts to broaden its influence and intelligence network at a time of growing international interest in Southern Africa’s diverse creative expressions and artisanal traditions.
The Advisory Board’s creation is a strategic move to complement Strauss & Co’s ongoing marketing and educational initiatives in key international markets. The company has seen a marked increase in interest from international buyers over the past decade, further accelerated by the introduction of dual live-virtual auctions in 2020. “Our curated offerings of modern and contemporary art, decorative arts, jewelry, and fine wines regularly attract enthusiastic buyers from across the globe,” notes Frank Kilbourn, Chairperson of Strauss & Co. “At the same time, we have been actively promoting our brand through exhibitions, educational events, and strategic collaborations, particularly in London and Venice.”
Kilbourn emphasizes the need for on-the-ground expertise in navigating the complex and diversified art market. “The purpose of the new Advisory Board is to provide strategic intelligence on art and auction-related matters and to promote our brand in various art ecosystems worldwide,” he explains. “We are thrilled to welcome Millard Arnold, Heba El Kayal, Liesl Fichardt, and Greg Maloka to our Advisory Board. Their considerable expertise and passion for the arts align perfectly with our vision to be Africa’s most dynamic auction house, driven by expertise, technology, and a commitment to excellence.”
Millard Arnold, an internationally recognized leader and networker, will serve as the first Chairperson of the Advisory Board. Arnold views this appointment as a unique opportunity to contribute to Strauss & Co’s mission of elevating African art and culture. “It is a rare, special, and unique challenge to join Africa’s preeminent auction house,” says Arnold. “Their work in the secondary market is helping establish standards for the promotion and sale of art, while elevating the richness and creative distinctiveness of African art.”
Heba El Kayal, an experienced museum curator, consultant, and writer, is equally honored by her appointment. “My aim has always been to create connections between artists, collectors, and cultural practitioners across the continent,” says El Kayal. “I look forward to working closely with Strauss & Co to nurture and develop the African art scene and preserve the life’s work of many artists.”
Liesl Fichardt, an internationally recognized legal and taxation expert, echoes these sentiments. “Strauss & Co plays a significant role in promoting modern and contemporary African art on the world stage,” says Fichardt. “It will be a pleasure to walk this journey with them as an International Member of the Advisory Board.”
Greg Maloka, a leading media entrepreneur and creative industry expert, has long been part of the Strauss & Co family and is eager to further explore ways to positively impact society through this advisory role. “Art offers the clearest window into both distant and recent history,” says Maloka. “The opportunity to contribute to Strauss & Co’s mission is one I deeply cherish.”
With the addition of these four respected professionals, Strauss & Co is poised to enhance its international presence and continue its mission of showcasing the richness and diversity of African art on the world stage.
For more information, visit www.straussart.co.za.
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