Nielsen and Company is an art and experiences agency, based in Toronto.
We work with new and established collectors to develop personalized art collections that are rooted in place, reflect the values of our clients and connect to a global view of art and culture.
We believe that art is meant to be lived. Collectors and the culturally curious join us for curated trips to some of the world’s great art destinations to experience behind-the-scenes museum and gallery visits, meet collectors in their homes, connect with artists in their studios and be immersed in local culture. In between, we enjoy great restaurants and gather for dinner parties with interesting locals.
Each Nielsen and Company excursion is designed to bring you into the culture of that place and encourage genuine, lasting connections with the people driving culture forward today.
Together, we seek the sublime.
Art Consulting
Art collection development for private and corporate clients: curation, site-specific commissions, often works alongside designers and architects.
For decades, we have partnered with private and corporate clients to build personalized art collections and exhibition programs that reflect their values and enrich both personal and public spaces.
Our expertise spans collection development and time-based projects, with deep experience collaborating alongside designers and architects on new builds. We also work directly with artists to realize site-specific and commissioned works, ensuring each project is thoughtfully integrated and uniquely impactful.
Curated Travel + Events
Bespoke cultural travel and events for private and corporate clients: enjoy behind-the-scenes museum and gallery visits, artist studios, private collections and dinners with interesting locals.
We believe that meaningful connections with local creative communities offer invaluable insight into the spirit of a place—deepening cultural experience and revealing our shared humanity.
Nielsen and Company hosts intimate journeys for art collectors and the culturally curious to some of the world’s leading art capitals. Together, we go behind the scenes with museum curators, visit artists in their studios, spend time with local collectors, and explore significant architectural landmarks.
While these experiences form the framework of each trip, it is the personal connections—the shared meals, private studio visits, and unexpected encounters—that make our journeys truly memorable. Guests often find themselves planning the next adventure before they have even returned home.
A recent guest had this to say: The thoughtful program, the undisputed access, the quality of the participants, the f&b, everything was flawless. Mia is even able to make it looks effortless. I came back totally recharged, with more insights into the local art scene and new friends. I can’t wait to go on the next trip!”
Upcoming trips to London, Venice, Mexico City and Copenhagen. Contact us for all the details
Development
Providing strategic development services for cultural organizations: building new revenue streams, donor stewardship and project management.
Nielsen and Company provides cultural institutions and organizations with strategic development and business planning services. With more than 20 years of experience working across both commercial sectors and cultural organizations, we bring a unique perspective that blends entrepreneurial thinking with mission-driven strategy.
We partner with clients to identify sustainable growth opportunities, strengthen revenue models, and build development strategies that support long-term impact. Whether you’re exploring new earned-income streams to support programming or looking to reimagine your donor and patron experience, Nielsen and Company brings fresh ideas, thoughtful analysis, and practical solutions.
Our work goes beyond strategy. We develop clear, actionable execution plans that empower organizations to implement change, grow their resources, and deepen relationships with their communities and supporters.
Our goal is simply to help cultural organizations build the resources they need to thrive.
Our services include:
Revenue diversification and earned-income strategy
Donor experience and stewardship strategy
Campaign planning and feasibility assessments
Sponsorship and partnership development
Audience and membership revenue strategy
Clients include: Art Canada Institute . B Street Collaborative . Museum of Toronto
Have quesions? Contact us here.
Artist Advisory
Advisory and mentorship for artists at every career stage, from preparing exhibitions and residencies to navigating the art market.
The art world moves fast, and the traditional ways of working are evolving with it. We believe artists benefit from expert guidance on navigating opportunities and building the support systems that sustain a practice. Nielsen and Company offers advisory services to artists at any career stage — whether preparing for a specific project (an exhibition or residency, for example), seeking direction on next steps, or navigating shifts in the art market.
Support is available on a contract basis with flexible terms. We're proud to work with B Street Collaborative, who provide subsidized mentorship services for a 6-month term. Our current co-hort includes artists Ry Van Der Hout, Vanessa Mckernan and Annie Briard. Applications are open for the next subsidized term that will run April 1 - November 1, 2027.
To receive more information on our mentorship services click here for the application.
A recent mentee had this to say:
"Working with Mia shaped my art practice. Her real value wasn't feedback on the work — it was her ability to distill the art world: the noise, the politics, the moments that pull you off course. She helped me stay focused on making while keeping my own instincts intact. Her approach is gentle and direct, and an hour with her is worth the investment. The art world is as confusing as it is subjective — Mia cuts through it."
Contact
Get in touch with Nielsen and Company, led by curator and cultural strategist Mia Nielsen, former Director of Art Toronto.
Cultural strategy, art advisory, and global cultural experiences.
Nielsen and Company works with collectors and institutions on cultural strategy, art collection development, and culture-focused travel programs.
The firm is led by founder Mia Nielsen, a curator, cultural producer and strategist with more than twenty years of experience developing exhibitions, performances, collections, and major cultural initiatives in Canada and abroad.
Her career has been shaped by work at the intersections of culture, public programming and business. From 2007 to 2019, she led the cultural program for Drake Hotel Properties, establishing it as one of Canada’s most recognized platforms for contemporary art and culture. From 2019 to 2026, she served as Director of Canada’s international art fair, Art Toronto, guiding its strategic growth and international partnerships.
Working closely with artists, galleries, collectors, and cultural institutions, Nielsen has developed nuanced collections, large-scale public art installations, exhibitions, events and festivals; in roles that have encompassed curatorial vision, promotion, logistics and operational responsibilities across the cultural sector.
Her work has been featured in The Art Newspaper, ARTnews, Architectural Digest, The Globe and Mail, CBC and CTV. She has lectured on the intersection of art and business at Sotheby’s Institute, OCADU and the University of Toronto.
She has served on boards and committees for the Toronto Sculpture Garden, Curatorial Advisory Committee for the Agnes Etherington Art Centre in Kingston and the Canadian Art Foundation Auction. Currently, Nielsen sits on the Canada jury for Gasworks London.
Contact us here or email us directly at hello(at)nielsenandcompany(dot)art
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