Art Curator & Speaker,
Cultural Entrepreneur
Art Consultant | Speaker | Public Art Strategist | Curator | Digital Art Founder | Author | Creative
Emilya Colliver is the Founder and CEO of Art Pharmacy and Sugar Glider Digital. With more than 20 years of experience across the arts, culture and built environment sectors internationally, she is passionate about supporting Australian artists and embedding arts and culture within contemporary cities.
Her work spans public art strategy, digital art programs, curatorial practice and the delivery of complex art commissions across public, corporate and cultural environments. Emilya is known for bringing together artists, architects, developers and communities to create meaningful cultural outcomes that connect people with place.
Through Art Pharmacy, she has supported more than $3.4 million in commissions to artists, helping strengthen the creative economy while delivering impactful cultural projects.
Emilya is also the author of The Art Project and Making Art Matter, and is currently developing a third book focused on integrating art into large-scale urban and master-planned developments.
Highlights
• Founder & CEO of Art Pharmacy and Sugar Glider Digital
• 20+ years experience across arts, culture and the built environment
• Author of The Art Project and Making Art Matter
• Supported more than $3.4M in commissions to artists and creative businesses
• Create NSW multi-year funding assessor
• Board Member, National Art School
Speaking & Thought Leadership
Emilya regularly speaks at industry events and conferences about public art, creative leadership and the role of culture in shaping cities and communities.
Her work brings together artists, developers, architects and organisations to explore how creativity can influence the way we live, work and experience place.
Events and organisations she has spoken for include CoreNet Global, SXSW Sydney and industry conferences across the property and cultural sectors.
Books & Projects
Conscious Leadership Deck
Author – Release Jan 2026
Emilya is the creator of the Conscious Leadership Deck, a set of 51 oracle-style cards designed to inspire reflection, creativity and more conscious ways of leading in work and life.
Developed through her work with founders, leaders and creative communities, the deck explores themes of intuition, purpose, personal growth and leadership.
The cards are used as a tool for reflection, conversation and decision-making and are often incorporated into leadership workshops and Flourish women’s networking gatherings.
The Art Project
Author – 2023
The Art Project is a practical guide to commissioning art for public spaces and building corporate art collections.
Drawing on more than 20 years of experience working with artists, developers and organisations, Emilya demystifies the process of delivering successful art projects – from developing an art strategy and artist brief through to installation, marketing and long-term care of artworks.
The book offers practical guidance for councils, businesses and organisations seeking to commission meaningful artworks that communities will connect with.
Making Art Matter
Author – 2019
Making Art Matter builds a bridge between artists and organisations, governments and the corporate world.
The book explores how art can be integrated into workplaces, cities and communities while providing insight into how artists work and the motivations behind their practice.
Create NSW supported initiative.
SOLD OUT
Media
Harper’s Bazaar – April 2022
State of the Arts: Two Australian creatives on the importance of fostering a vibrant city. Phoenix Creative Director Beau Neilson and arts entrepreneur Emilya Colliver discuss the role of culture in shaping vibrant cities.
Photographed by Jess Ruby James. Styled by Jillian Davison.
Contact
For speaking engagements, media enquiries or collaborations:
Conscious Leadership Deck
Author - Release Jan 2026
Emilya is also the creator of the Conscious Leadership Deck, a set of 51 oracle-style cards designed to inspire reflection, creativity and more conscious ways of leading in work and life.
Developed through her work with founders, leaders and creative communities, the deck brings together themes of intuition, personal growth, purpose and leadership.
The cards are used as a tool for conversation, reflection and decision-making, and are often incorporated into workshops, leadership gatherings and Flourish women’s networking events. Designed as both a personal and professional resource, the deck encourages leaders to pause, reconnect with their values and lead with greater awareness and intention.
The Art Project
Author - Release Feb 2023
The Art Project is an essential guide to commissioning art for public spaces and creating corporate art collections.
Emilya Colliver, Founder of the respected arts and culture agency Art Pharmacy, draws on more than 20+ years of experience in the art world managing public art projects.
In her accessible and informative style, Emilya demystifies the processes involved in a successful art project – whether that be for private business, council, or government – from conception to installation and beyond. You’ll find out how to: choose the right art project manager, work with an art consultant, create an art strategy, write an art narrative, and engage an artist who can help you realise your vision. There are also comprehensive tips on writing an artist’s brief, a budget, and contracts; organising an installation, marketing, and publicity campaign; and how to document your artwork to ensure it is cared for long into the future.
The Art Project will help you manage an art project or build an art collection that your community will engage with and love.
Author - 2019 (almost sold out)
Making Art Matter builds a bridge between artists and organisations, governments, and the corporate world. It will help you to bring art into your life, workplace and suburb. This book offers insights into the art world and how artists work, what motivates them, and the practicalities of what they do.
Create NSW supported initiative