Candlestar is an internationally renowned visual arts consultancy formed in 2003 by globally respected authorities on photography and arts production Michael Benson and Fariba Farshad. Over the last twenty year Candlestar has delivered a range of innovative projects for such clients as Frieze, Conde Nast, Belmond, Art Dubai and the Sovereign Art Foundation. The current portfolio includes the world-class photography fair Photo London and Prix Pictet. Founded by Candlestar in 2015, Photo London has become a catalyst for the capital’s dynamic photography community. Established by the Pictet group in 2008 the Prix Pictet the world’s leading award in photography and sustainability.
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Candlestar’s Services
CONCEPTION
DESIGN
PRODUCTION
CONCEPTION
Project Conceptualisation
Feasibility Assessment
Venue Acquisition
Venue Liaison
Event Management Plan
Production Schedule
Production Budget
Contractor Procurement & Management
DESIGN
Content Curation
Artwork Commissioning
Exhibition Layout
Exhibition Build
Lighting Design
Event Layout
Promotional Material
Exhibition Graphics & Wayfinding
PRODUCTION
Artwork Fabrication
Project Management & Onsite Staffing
Space Build
Specialist Fine Art Shipping
Specialist Art Handlers & Installers
Audio Visual Production & Installation
Fine Art Insurance
Lighting Installation
Security & Front of House Staffing
Health & Safety Management
Sustainability Monitoring
Local Authority Liaison
Logistics & Traffic Management
Project Documentation
Founders
Fariba Farshad
Fariba Farshad worked at University of the Arts, London as an educator pioneering the application of technology in art education for over a decade. She spearhead the award-winning research centre responsible for the production of more than 50 game based learning applications. Her innovative projects won her numerous accolades, including a BAFTA nomination.
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As a curator, Fariba is renowned for championing the work of contemporary Iranian artists. Her ground-breaking exhibition Burnt Generation which showcased the contemporary life in Iran through the lens of eight major contemporary Iranian photographers, opened at Somerset House in 2014 and toured globally for 5 years.
Michael Benson
Michael Benson is co-founder of Candlestar a company that has over the last twenty years developed a portfolio of world class cultural projects including the Condé Nast College of Fashion and the Prix Pictet. In 2015 Candlestar inaugurated Photo London and in 2023 launched a photo fair in in New York in collaboration with the Montgomery Group. Michael Benson has also published widely. He has written numerous articles for leading magazines including Vogue and has written and edited over 20 books. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts (RSA) and from 2023 a member of the Advisory Board of the Marta Ortega Perez ( MOP) Foundation. In 2024 he became curator of the Foundation’s exhibition programme.