Who We Are

“Art can be a force for good, and we thrive at highlighting that”

We are seasoned art experts with a global scope

Our team, many of whom are trained art historians and artists, possesses an intimate knowledge of the art world and a deep understanding of how to contextualise artworks and ideas. Pioneering hybrid working across Europe and beyond has enabled us to attract a calibre of talent committed to excellence, while fostering close collaboration with all our clients.

Based in a variety of art-focused cities and cultural environments — often far from our hometowns — we are a group of professionals fully immersed in vibrant cultures, giving us a fresh perspective on every new project. This intimate understanding of cultural contexts allows us to adapt and tailor our teams to the unique needs of each client.

We centre trust and thoughtful dialogue

Having worked with the best in the field for two decades, Pickles PR founder Rhiannon Pickles underscores the importance of building trust in these precious, long-standing relationships. ‘It’s a bit like a marriage or, yes, a personal relationship; there needs to be a fit on a professional and also personal level. Mutual trust and openness for dialogue are crucial to ultimately reach the most meaningful outcomes.’

In our challenging and rapidly changing art and media landscape, the expertise we've gained from working with the world’s most respected art institutions provides us with a unique and hard-earned perspective. This ensures that the advice and strategic positioning we offer to clients is second to none.

We take the time to truly add value

Known for our dedication and dynamism, we go above and beyond for both established and emerging art clients. We place great importance on delving into research and uncovering the essence of each project—an approach we believe is essential. We consider it to be a privilege to shape the public’s first encounter with an artwork or cultural project, and to share that enthusiasm with the widest possible audience.

We elevate art for impact

With a profound love of art and culture, the Pickles PR team prides itself on working with clients who leave a positive impact. Caroline Widmer, co-owner of Pickles PR, reflects, ‘I truly believe that art can be a force for good. We have had the opportunity to shine a spotlight on marginalised voices and bring many socially important topics to the forefront – whether that’s ecology, sexuality, gender, feminism, or ecofeminism.’ Pickles PR as a team is committed to amplifying vital voices and cultivating dialogue across borders to enrich the global art discourse.

Our Team

Rhiannon Pickles
The Netherlands,
UK, Italy
[Biography]

Caroline Widmer
UK, Switzerland
[Biography]

Alfonso Cabello
Spain
[Biography]

Alfred Worrall
Germany, UK
[Biography]

Amanda Kelly
Spain, Canada, UK
[Biography]

Claudia Santrolli
Italy
[Biography]

Costanza Savelloni
Italy
[Biography]

Enrichetta Cardinale
Spain, Italy
[Biography]

Gair Burton
UK
[Biography]

Jane Wang
The Netherlands, China
[Biography]

Maria Cristina Giusti
Italy
[Biography]

Patsy McCartan
Ireland
[Biography]

Teodora Baluta
UK, Romania
[Biography]

Vanessa Saraceno
Italy
[Biography]

Vassia Gkogkou
UK, Greece
[Biography]

Zeynep Seyhun
Italy, Turkey
[Biography]

Biographies

Rhiannon Pickles
The Netherlands, UK, Italy

Rhiannon Pickles, described by her colleagues as both a ‘walking encyclopedia on all things art’ and a natural connector of creative minds, is the founder of Pickles PR, established in 2006. Splitting her time between Amsterdam and Sicily, she balances her dynamic professional life with personal passions, retreating into books, cultivating her biodynamic garden, and producing her organically sourced olive oil brand, Pantanello Sicily, from her own estate. A graduate of Cambridge University, where she studied History of Art, Rhiannon later completed a Master’s in Contemporary Art at The Courtauld Institute of Art. Fluent in English, Dutch, and Italian, she combines her academic background with extensive international experience, having led strategic communication campaigns for clients like the Istanbul Biennial, the Stedelijk Museum, and Hauser & Wirth. Her dedication to fostering meaningful connections across the art world has solidified her reputation as a trusted advisor and global cultural advocate.

Caroline Widmer
UK, Switzerland

Caroline Widmer, co-owner and director at Pickles PR, combines a background in law with a deep passion for art. Originally from Zurich and now based in London, her love for art was shaped by her upbringing when she developed an early appreciation for the emotional power of culture.
Caroline began her career at arts PR agencies in Berlin and London, before joining Pickles PR in 2012, where she excels at connecting artists, art institutions and audiences. Known for her sharp intellect, work ethic, and ability to forge meaningful connections, she is described as always switched on and deeply engaged with the art world. With her energy and curiosity, she thrives on championing cultural projects and exploring the evolving art world with warmth and insight. At Pickles PR she has been working across international clients such as the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia, kultur | lx, the Istanbul Biennial, Gropius Bau Berlin, Prince Claus Fund, Dirimart, VOLTA and more. Caroline is currently a trustee of the Swiss Cultural Fund UK, which supports Switzerland’s artistic scene in the United Kingdom.

Alfonso Cabello
Spain

Based between Madrid, Seville, and Cáceres, Alfonso Cabello is one of Pickles PR’s dynamic Senior Communications Managers. Since joining in 2019, he has contributed to prestigious projects such as KMSKA, Dirimart’s presence at Frieze London’s Sculpture Park, and the Prince Claus Fund.
With a background in Art Communications and Cultural Management, Alfonso’s expertise is shaped by a lifelong engagement with art, first inspired by visits to the Prado and a family tradition of collecting. Known for his energy and charm, he excels at fostering meaningful connections and creating impactful collaborations within the art world.

Alfred Worrall
Germany, UK

Based in Berlin, British artist Alfred Worrall is a rising talent in contemporary art and serves as Arts Coordinator for Pickles PR. A graduate of the Slade School of Fine Art, his oil paintings of hunched figures evoke raw emotion and catharsis. Influenced by a creative upbringing, Worrall’s passion for art emerged naturally, steering him from an early interest in mathematics to a flourishing career in the arts. Inspired by artists like Sigmar Polke, he combines a love of irony, nuance, and bold expression in his work. With empathy, organizational skill, and clear thinking, he excels at coordinating projects, bridging artists, institutions, and audiences with precision and creativity.

Amanda Kelly
Spain, Canada, UK

With a background in journalism, art history and education, Amanda Kelly brings a layered perspective to contemporary culture. Originally from Saskatchewan, Canada, she grew up in a family of arts advocates who believed deeply in culture as a public good, shaping her early sense of its social and civic importance. Her career has spanned leading international newsrooms – from The Guardian to Global News to El País – where she specialised in digital innovation, and she has earned awards for teaching excellence as an adjunct professor at IE University.
Now based in Spain, Amanda is an associate director at Pickles PR, where she advises global arts institutions on communication strategy and cultural advocacy. Thoughtful and precise, she is known for her diplomatic approach and ability to connect across disciplines. She is especially drawn to artists who explore history and media with subtlety, and to collective cultural experiences that move and provoke. Her love of art is grounded in its power to reveal, connect and humanise – and in the people who dedicate their lives to making it visible.

Claudia Santrolli
Italy

Based in Milan, Claudia Santrolli is a Communications Manager at Pickles PR, known for her deep expertise in the Milanese art scene. After studying Economics and Marketing Management at Bocconi University, Claudia initially ventured into the fashion world with Louis Vuitton’s PR department before finding her true calling in the arts. She later joined a brand new PR agency that she helped grow into one of Italy’s most influential art agencies. With a passion for creativity that was nurtured by her family’s love of art and her early involvement in theater, Claudia is known for her ability to build authentic connections with clients. Her warm, approachable nature makes her an invaluable part of the team, and she has become a go-to expert in Milan’s art scene. Beyond her professional life, Claudia is a storyteller – continuously reading and writing, fueling what she calls the power of imagination.

Costanza Savelloni
Italy

Costanza Savelloni is an art historian specializing in 20th and 21st-century Italian art, holding a Bachelor’s in Art History from La Sapienza University of Rome and a Master’s in Economics and Arts Management from Ca' Foscari University of Venice. She is fluent in Italian and English, with a basic understanding of French.
As a PR Manager at Pickles PR, Costanza oversees strategic communications for high-profile clients, including Christie’s, Collezione Maramotti, the Max Mara Art Prize for Women, and the Swiss Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. Clients value her charm and thoughtful approach, making her a trusted partner in navigating the art world.
She has also worked with prestigious institutions such as La Biennale di Venezia and Fondation Louis Vuitton. Over the past few years, she led communication and external relations at Museo Novecento in Florence, promoting major exhibitions and building essential media relationships. In addition to her PR work, Costanza is an active writer, offering insightful commentary on contemporary art trends, exhibitions, and profiles of artists.

Enrichetta Cardinale Ciccotti
Italy

The Italian Enrichetta Cardinale Ciccotti is an art historian and cultural innovator based in Barcelona, where she settled after meeting her Catalan husband. As the founder of Dart, Spain and Latin America’s groundbreaking Art Documentary Festival, she has been showcasing films about art and artists since 2017. Since that same year, Enrichetta has been with Pickles PR, blending her expertise in art history with her passion for cultural communication. Known for her dynamic approach, she thrives on networking and collaboration, bringing fresh perspectives to the art world. Her work bridges classical traditions with contemporary narratives, ensuring a vibrant dialogue between past and present.

Gair Burton
UK

With over two decades’ experience in art communication, Gair Burton has led campaigns for a range of high-profile clients for Pickles PR – internationally most recently working with Ireland at Venice, the Hugh Lane Gallery, the launch of Mendes Wood DM in New York and Paris, and the inauguration of the Mucha Museum in Prague; and previously with the Beyeler Foundation, Schaulager and Gropius Bau. Within the UK, she has led the communications for five editions of Photo London, Turner Contemporary, the De La Warr Pavilion, England’s Creative Coast and for commercial galleries such as Robilant+Voena, Luxembourg & Dayan and Lisson.
Following a post-graduate degree in curating at the Royal College of Art, Gair cut her teeth as an Assistant Curator at Tate Britain and as a writer for art publications before joining one of the world’s leading contemporary art galleries, overseeing all aspects of communication across its multiple locations. Tracing her love of art back to time spent with her artist grandfather and the alchemy of his studio, Gair studied painting at Wimbledon School of Art before a degree in History and History of Art at Edinburgh University. She brings academic rigour and a deep sensibility for the art object and its cultural resonances, alongside a passion for its communication. Whether shaping narratives for exhibitions or crafting strategies for integrated campaigns, she is known for her thoughtful, collaborative approach and her enduring love of art as a space for discovery and transformation.

Jane Wang
The Netherlands, China

Originally from China, Jane Wang is a Fine Art graduate of the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam and holds a Master’s in Business Administration from The Hague University. Since joining Pickles PR in 2015, she has worked on numerous high-profile projects, including art exhibitions, fairs, and biennales, collaborating with museums and institutions around the globe. Fluent in Mandarin, Jane plays a pivotal role in bridging cultural and linguistic gaps, particularly in her work with Chinese art initiatives. Known for her insightful approach, she combines her fine art background with her expertise in communications to craft compelling narratives that resonate across audiences. Passionate about art as a universal language, Jane thrives on the diversity of her work, fostering meaningful connections between artists, institutions, and the public.

Maria Cristina Giusti
Italy

Born in Rome and now based in Milan, Maria Cristina Giusti brings a rich background in journalism, curation, and cultural programming to her role at Pickles PR. She began her career as a journalist while working at the British School at Rome, later transitioning into curatorial work with site-specific art projects and music programs.
Her expertise spans contemporary art, fashion, and major biennales, shaped by years spent as studio director of American, Rome-based artist Joseph Kosuth and collaborating on exhibitions at the Louvre, Melbourne, Edinburgh. With deep roots in both the art and fashion worlds – her grandmother was a celebrated designer and part of the Fontana Sisters – Cristina seamlessly navigates between luxury, culture, and media. Now, she thrives on fostering press relations and high-profile events, from the Venice Biennale to Christie’s, leveraging her network to craft impactful collaborations.

Patsy McCartan
Ireland

Based in Belfast, Patsy McCartan is a skilled Executive Manager at Pickles PR, where she has played a key role in professionalizing the agency and ensuring the smooth running of daily operations. Fluent in English, German, and French, she brings exceptional intercultural communication skills, developed during her studies in History of Art and French and her time with a renowned contemporary artist in Berlin. Patsy is also deeply involved in all projects connected to Ireland, combining her strategic mindset and passion for art to foster meaningful collaborations.

Teodora Baluta
UK, Romania

With a foundation rooted in fashion and a degree from the University of Westminster, Teodora Bulata’s journey into the art world was as seamless as it was intentional. “There’s an overlap,” she reflects, drawing connections between the creative threads of her early studies and her current dedication to contemporary art and culture. Originally from Romania, where the art market remains intimate and niche, Teodora began her career in fashion business before pivoting to art PR. She gained valuable experience at galleries and RAD Art Fair, Bucharest’s first art fair. Since returning to London over a year ago, Teodora has thrived as part of Pickles PR’s dynamic team. Known for her curiosity and passion for networking, Teodora is deeply immersed in London’s vibrant art scene. Whether engaging with clients or supporting a global roster of talent, she thrives in the people-focused ethos of the agency, bringing energy and fresh perspectives to every collaboration.

Vanessa Saraceno
Italy

Originally from Sicily, Vanessa Saraceno brings a rich background in philosophy, aesthetics, and curatorial studies to her role at Pickles PR. Her early love for art, music and theatre inspired studies in aesthetics, followed by a scholarship in New York and a PhD in Critical Practice and Socially Engaged Art at the University of the Arts, London. Vanessa’s career includes coordinating for Manifesta, researching for The Art Newspaper in London, and collaborating with institutions like the EMST in Athens and the Chanakya Foundation in Mumbai. Known for her thoughtful, humanistic approach and sharp critical thinking, she excels at crafting compelling narratives and building meaningful relationships

Vassia Gkogkou
UK, Greece

Based in the UK, Vassia Gkogkou is one of Pickles PR’s dynamic Communications Executives. Alongside her team, she has worked on projects such as Dirimart’s presence at Frieze Sculpture with a work by Inci Eviner, a project at La Biennale di Venezia, the Prince Claus Fund, and KMSKA. After earning a degree in English Literature from the University of Oxford, she completed a Master's in History of Art at The Courtauld and then worked at a London art gallery before taking on her role at Pickles PR. Her approach is shaped by a belief in art’s ability to challenge societal norms and provoke critical conversations. Passionate about connecting art to the issues of our time, she thrives on exploring its intersections with culture and power structures.

Zeynep Seyhun
Italy, Turkey

Hailing from Istanbul, Zeynep Seyhun moved to Italy to study art history at the University of Bologna. After returning to Turkey to gain experience at the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV), she felt a strong call to return to Italy, where she completed a master’s in art business in Venice. It was during this time that she connected with Pickles PR and joined the team. Since then, Zeynep has worked on prestigious projects with Collezione Maramotti, the Max Mara Art Prize for Women, the Swiss Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, Fondazione MAST, MAXXI, Christie’s, and Gallerie d’Italia. With her deep knowledge of Turkey’s dynamic art scene and Italy’s cultural heritage, Zeynep seamlessly bridges diverse artistic perspectives. Fully bilingual in Turkish and Italian, she is known for her professionalism, charm, and ability to foster strong client relationships, contributing to impactful international projects across the contemporary art world.