Today we’d like to introduce you to Genevieve Williams.
Hi Genevieve, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve been passionate about the arts for as long as I can remember. Growing up just south of Sydney, I was inspired by the city’s vibrant cultural scene, from ballet at the Opera House to exhibitions at the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Museum of Contemporary Art. These early experiences instilled in me a lifelong love for creativity.
In my final year of high school, my artwork was recognized by Art Express and exhibited at the Art Gallery of NSW, which solidified my desire to dedicate my life to the arts. I then traveled through Europe, immersing myself in the artistic heritage of cities like London, Rome, and Berlin, before earning a degree in Art History & Theory from the University of Sydney.
Over the past 15 years, I’ve built a diverse career across both the commercial and non-profit arts sectors in Australia and the United States. I’ve organized exhibitions internationally and formed enduring relationships with artists, curators, and collectors. As the former Director of Peter Blake Gallery in Laguna Beach and Sullivan+Strumpf in Sydney, I had the honor of presenting exhibitions that connected artists with global audiences.
For the past nine years, I’ve been based in Orange County, and I currently serve as Director and Curator of The Honarkar Foundation in Laguna Beach. Here, I continue to explore how art can engage communities and spark meaningful dialogue. The Foundation supports artists and preserves Laguna Beach’s cultural legacy through exhibitions, educational initiatives, and public programming. I believe art is a transformative experience, and my goal is to create exhibitions that challenge, inspire, and offer new perspectives.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been navigating the nuances of both commercial and non-profit arts spaces. Balancing creative integrity with financial sustainability can be tough. Working in the arts also means dealing with uncertainty, whether it’s logistical hurdles like securing loans for exhibitions or larger challenges such as addressing shifting cultural and economic climates. However, these experiences have taught me resilience and how to stay adaptable while remaining focused on the bigger picture.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At The Honarkar Foundation, my work revolves around curating and directing exhibitions that spotlight both historical and contemporary artists. I aim to craft thoughtful narratives within exhibitions—giving viewers a fresh perspective on familiar works and introducing them to underrepresented voices in the art world.
I’m especially proud of the Foundation’s most recent ‘Luminaries of Light’ exhibition, which showcased pioneering figures from the California Light and Space movement. Curating this show was a true career highlight, as it involved working with iconic artists and collectors to bring this historic movement back into focus.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, I’m eager to continue fostering meaningful engagement in the arts—whether through curatorial projects, institutional collaborations, or public programming. I’m particularly passionate about contributing to the arts scene in Orange County by bringing thought-provoking international exhibitions and creating new opportunities for cultural exchange in Southern California. The arts are ever-evolving, and I’m excited to be part of the conversations that shape their future.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_genevievewilliams_/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamsgenevieve/
