In the dynamic world of luxury art, Brian Ludlow is a transformative force as CEO of Creative Art Partners, our newest partner in curation. With a vision that champions accessibility alongside artistry, he is reshaping how clients engage with exceptional works. Ludlow’s innovative approach transcends traditional boundaries, creating a seamless blend of personal connection and artistic expression. Under his leadership, Creative Art Partners has redefined the art acquisition process, making it inviting and tailored to individual tastes. Join us as we explore Ludlow’s insights and inspirations, uncovering his mission to cultivate enriching connections through art.
Exclusive Resorts: Creative Art Partners has carved out a unique niche in the luxury art market. Can you share the inspiration behind the brand’s inception and how its vision has evolved over time?
Brian: The inspiration for Creative Art Partners began with the idea that approaching art as a service rather than just a product could make it more accessible to a wider audience. As we grew, that evolved into a broader mission of creating the most innovative art rental and sales solutions to empower people to discover, enjoy and share great art. It has become a category defining company and we really believe that Creative Art Partners will be the future of how a growing number of individuals and industries best engage with great art.
Exclusive Resorts: In your perspective, what was missing in the art world before Creative Art Partners emerged? How does your company create a seamless, turnkey process that prioritizes clients' needs and acknowledges the importance of time in curating art for luxury spaces?
Brian: Where the traditional art world was rigid, we became flexible. Where they were inaccessible, we focused on becoming omnipresent. What was and is still missing in the art world has created a great and growing market and opportunity for us. We like to look at a sector and evaluate its intersection with art and then build really intuitive solutions to improve it. One great example is our ‘CAPHome’ product, which allows clients to seamlessly begin living with art by renting and rotating entire curated collections before they decide to purchase. Every feature of this service was created in response to clients' unmet needs and completely prioritizes them throughout the process. We’re really proud of it and the response from clients has been so reaffirming.
Exclusive Resorts: Can you share any top brands that you collaborate with and how you develop programs for some of the top hotels and luxury developments in the world?
Brian: We are lucky to collaborate with many of the best luxury brands in the world. A few of which are, Four Seasons, Rosewood, The Edition, Mandarin Oriental, Zero Bond, Fontainebleau, and P/S Private Suites. I think these partnerships work so well because our art programs are all created with a hospitality centric focus and we understand and value their standards for client service and experience.
Exclusive Resorts: Which parts of the world or specific destinations inspire your artistic curation? How do local cultures and aesthetics influence the selections made for luxury properties?
Brian: Mexico City. Their local culture puts on display the most inspiring combination of colors and textures. It always pushes me to be even bolder with our curation back home. Their art collectors and institutions champion local artists while also embracing international contemporary art in unique ways. The Jumex Museum is a favorite to visit during each trip.
Exclusive Resorts: What art trends are you seeing in luxury travel in different parts of the world?
Brian: More people wanting to spend time at art driven hospitality destinations. The best example in the world is Chateau La Coste in Provence, France.
Exclusive Resorts: What is the curation process like at Creative Art Partners? How do you select artworks that not only complement luxurious spaces but also reflect the individuality of your clients? How do you overcome clients not always knowing what they are interested in or how to navigate the art market?
Brian: We have an incredible curatorial team. They have such a sophisticated level of taste and amazing confidence in helping our clients discover and select dynamic artworks. Success in that role requires a balance between being responsive to client's pre-determined tastes while also educating them and encouraging them to take risks.
Exclusive Resorts: What are some of your go-to travel destinations and why?
Brian: Aspen, Mexico City, and Kona Hawaii are my favorites. They each offer such uniquely different experiences while all being really great for my young daughters.
Exclusive Resorts: What is your personal outlook on travel? What inspires you, what do you seek when you travel?
Brian: Travel is something I cherish and always look forward to. Getting to experience the world through my daughter’s eyes has been an incredible new inspiration to travel more together. A perfect trip includes time to recharge and reset and that usually means a hotel with great health amenities. I always come back centered and with new ideas for my team and business.
Exclusive Resorts: What is your bucket list trip?
Brian: The Enoura Observatory in Odawara Japan has always been a dream of mine to visit. It overlooks the Sagami Bay and was designed by one of my favorite Japanese artists, Hiroshi Sugimoto. It looks like the physical embodiment of what I love most about his artwork, pure stillness.