This Thanksgiving, we're celebrating the wealth of US talent here at Cultural Comms - Californian Athena Diego; Mari Frost from Virginia; and Oliver Pickford who now resides in New York state - with a brand-new 'Meet the Team' series.
So read on to discover what inspires them, their favourite cultural activities and - most importantly - what they are thankful for this year.
Athena Diego
Athena's was born and raised in Long Beach, Los Angeles, after her parents immigrated to California in the 1980s. While living in the States, Athena interned at some of the world's most renowned art institutions, including The Getty, LACMA and Hauser & Wirth, which inspired her to move to the UK in 2018 to study at UAL's London College of Communication. After a one-year stint living and working in New York City, Athena moved back to London permanently in 2022, and joined Cultural Comms in September 2023.
Tell us about your role at Cultural Comms?
I'm Cultural Comms' Digital Account Manager, and always looking at how to position both clients and agency through a social media lens. And because I have a background in PR, I'm across all sorts of clients bringing my hybrid expertise to their projects and campaigns. On a normal day, I can be found drafting up a social post or researching influencers to grow both our clients' and Cultural Comms' networks.
What have you recently read, listened to or seen in your spare time that’s inspired you at work?
I recently read Cleopatra and Frankenstein, which really appealed to the city girl in me (one who's constantly chasing her Devil Wears Prada and Ab Fab dreams!).
What’s your favourite cultural institution or activity, and why?
In London, it has to be the Institute of Contemporary Arts. There's such dynamic programming - from contemporary art exhibitions, films and music performances - which always represents radical creativity and never fails to keep me engaged. They've also recently started incorporating culinary-related events into their programming that I'm looking to get my teeth stuck into!
Today is Thanksgiving - how will you be marking it and what are you giving thanks for this year?
I'm super thankful for my loved ones at home and all the support they send me even though I'm a full ocean away. I'm especially thankful for my partner and best friends here in London, who all make this city feel just like home.
Oliver Pickford
Originally from the UK, Oli is now based in Baltimore, Maryland, and will soon be moving to Rochester in New York state. Before moving to the US, he studied and worked in London for seven years (meeting his American wife in the process), and completed a Master's in History of Art at the Courtauld Institute. Oli has now fully taken to his new US surroundings – from country music and ‘cookouts’ to American whiskey - but can still be found bemoaning the lack of a decent pub in his adopted country.
Tell us about your role at Cultural Comms?
I’ve been an account manager at Cultural Comms for two and half years, working in the ‘engine room’ for clients in the art services and premium spirits spaces, and helping to plan, deliver and manage media and digital campaigns for clients.
What have you recently read, listened to or seen in your spare time that’s inspired you at work?
Wes Anderson’s latest film, Asteroid City, inspired me to embrace whimsy and chance encounters (where appropriate!), and the importance of beautiful visuals and symmetrical thinking.
What’s your favourite cultural institution or activity, and why?
I’ll always have a soft spot for Sir John Soane’s Museum in London – a neo-classical 19th century townhouse packed with a smorgasbord of paintings and ancient artefacts. It used to hold ‘candlelight only’ evenings that completely transported you to another era.
Today is Thanksgiving - how will you be marking it and what are you giving thanks for this year?
I'm celebrating with some of my wife’s family in Washington DC (over an hour’s drive away but next door by American standards). I’m thankful for each and every catch-up with my home friends and colleagues back in London who, despite being physically far, feel a little closer every time we speak.
Mari Frost
The newest member of the team, Mari recently joined Cultural Comms as a Junior Account Executive working across an array of accounts within luxury design and spirits. Originally from Virginia, Mari moved to four years ago, and during this time completed both her Bachelors in History and Masters in Classical Archaeology.
What have you recently read, listened to or seen in your spare time that’s inspired you at work?
Within PR I have found a deep love for interior design and design trends in the UK. Magazines such as Country Homes & Interiors and Elle Decoration have motivated my passion for the interior design industry and greatly aided me in working for clients such as Louise Bradley.
What’s your favourite cultural institution or activity, and why?
I recently visited the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington and it has quickly became one of my favourite institutions. The cast courts at the V&A present an amazing collection of historically significant structures that arguably spark the public’s curiosity with history like no other museum has before.
Today is Thanksgiving - how will you be marking it and what are you giving thanks for this year?
This year I will be celebrating Thanksgiving in London by going to dinner with friends. Today, and everyday, I give thanks for my amazing friends and family who have massively supported me through this period of transition!
