Francesca’s background is as a curator, artist and academic in photography. She is the third of four children born to Italian parents who moved to England in 1972.  In 1998 she graduated with a degree in Photography from Nottingham Trent University, followed by an MA in Photographic Studies from the University of Westminster in 2003.

Francesca has managed photography departments in Further and Higher Education since 1999

Receiving her PGCE from the Institute of Education in 2000. Having spent over fifteen years developing photography programmes, Francesca independently set up and launched Francesca Maffeo Gallery (2016 - 2020) , a space dedicated to providing opportunities for a wider and local audience to learn about and enjoy photography within a gallery setting. She is passionate about mentoring the artists she works with, supporting them in their artistic careers.

Francesca Maffeo Gallery hosted over 20 exhibitions and amassed a strong press profile

Regularly featured in The Guardian, FT Weekend among others. In 2018 the gallery was selected by Sean O’Hagan as one of the best UK Galleries for Photography in the Observer Photography Special, securing its reputation as a thriving gallery for contemporary photography. During this time Francesca forged strong relationships with private collectors as well as contributing to the acquisition of artists’ works to public collections.

More recently Francesca has been working as an independent curator, visiting lecturer and artist mentor. Forging independent opportunities and collaborations to develop and contribute to a number of creative initiatives.

Professional Experience

Independent Curator & Visiting Lecturer

September 2018 - Present | Francesca Maffeo Gallery Ltd

In November 2018 Francesca Maffeo Gallery closed its permanent space, moving to a ‘pop up’ gallery model which expanded the exhibition programme to other UK venues. This afforded the opportunity to work with exciting spaces in new locations, thus reaching a wider audience. The impact of Covid on the arts sector created the need to implement virtual and digital methods of exhibition, this in turn forged independent opportunities and collaborations to develop and contribute to a number of creative initiatives.

Founder & Director at Francesca Maffeo Gallery

December 2015 - March 2020 | Francesca Maffeo Gallery Ltd

Francesca Maffeo Gallery was conceived from a passion as both a visual artist and educator. Creating a welcoming and inclusive space to ‘Experience, Acquire & Collect’ Photography. During its time, the space supported many emerging and established artists, whilst simultaneously providing opportunities for the local community to engage with the works and themes.

The Gallery provided a programme of talks, events and workshops as well as professional development opportunities for artists at all levels.

Responsibilities & Skills

  • Head of operations, business and strategic planning.

  • Financial planning, funding and budget management.

  • Artist liaison and mentor, supporting represented artists through the development of their practice, exhibitions and artist profile.

  • Planning and curation of the gallery exhibition programme.

  • Academic/Critical writing, commissioning of texts to support exhibitions & press.

  • Planning, development and delivery of exhibition talks, workshops and events and the teaching & learning programme.

  • PR & Marketing for exhibitions and events. To include social media and website development.

  • Development and implementation of the gallery intern programme and managing a team of employees.

  • Management of commercial sales, commissions and artist accounts.

  • Development of collaborative projects and exhibitions with external gallery spaces and independent curators.

  • Liaising and working with public art organisations for both acquisition and exhibition opportunities for represented artists.

  • Preparing and submitting applications for Art Fairs, Awards and Artists Funding.

 

Teaching & Education

Curriculum Manager Photography

May 2005 to October 2015 | Havering College of Further & Higher Education

Responsibilities & Skills

  • Head of Photography department, managing and teaching across all courses in both Further & Higher Education.

  • Lead Internal Verifier for Level 2 & Level 3 Edexcel Arts Qualifications

  • BA (Hons) Photography Degree lead writer for 2006 validation (Validated by UEL)

  • Curriculum development across all programmes.

  • Internal Verification and assessment across all programmes and additional programmes within the Centre for Creative Arts.

  • Budget Management and resource manager.

  • Line Manager for a team of 6 staff.

Curriculum Leader School of Media Performing Arts

August 2000 - January 2005 | South East Essex College

Responsibilities & Skills

  • Degree Development for BA (Hons) Photography programme.

  • Curriculum Development across Photography, Media and Performing Arts, Levels 1-6.

  • Internal Verification and Assessment Liaison.

  • Key Skills Co-ordinator, Levels 1-4.

  • Senior Lecturer in Photography & Visual Culture.

  • Course Team Leader across all photography for Further & Higher Education.