Much of the art world revolves around questions of value, not just in terms of appraisals and price tags, but also: what is worth your time in These Times, and your energy? , your attention and, yes, your hard-earned money?
What calculations do you make to determine the meaning and value of something? What moves you? What enriches your life? In this new series, we ask individuals from the art world and beyond about the assessments they make on a personal level.
Hannah Gottlieb-Graham has a fire in her stomach that shows no signs of going out. In 2020, after leaving a position at Aperture, the young entrepreneur made the bold decision to diversify on her own by founding ALMA CommunicationsNew York-based PR agency specializing in contemporary art and social change.
Over the next three-and-a-half years, Gottlieb-Graham built her business full steam ahead, with ALMA Communications gaining rising artists and galleries as clients, as well as established voices. In this role, Gottlieb-Graham is known for her precision, tenacity and composure, qualities drawn from her dance background (she studied photography, contemporary art and dance at both the University of ‘Oxford and at Sarah Lawrence College). Hard work does not go unnoticed; this year, ALMA won PR Net’s ‘Next Gen’ award for a rising public relations company in the arts and culture field.
Although Gottlieb-Graham’s schedule is consecutive, from events to interviews, she is committed to making valuable personal time for herself. She got married earlier this year and cherishes the quiet times with her husband, as well as the celebratory times with his all-female communications team. However, she could do without another bad gala dinner.
Recently, we caught up with Gottlieb-Graham who told us what she values in art and life and why.
What’s the last thing you splurged on?
ALMA’s new office in the West Village. It’s an absolute dream and was Jennifer Bartlett’s former home and studio!
What are you saving for?
My 2024 Team Retreat. I’ve hosted team retreats for the past two years and they’ve been so much fun. And I think having fun with your colleagues is invaluable.
What would you buy if you found $100?
A handful of fitness classes at my favorite studios. As a former dancer, taking the time to train in the morning before my non-stop days is a very important ritual for me.
Courtesy of Hannah Gottlieb-Graham.
What makes you feel like a million bucks?
Professionally: Running a PR campaign that I’m really proud of. Signing a new client I’ve been dying to connect with. One piece work.
Personally: The way my husband looks at me. Stepping into my beautifully organized closet. Get a lymphatic drainage massage.
What do you think is your greatest asset?
My unwavering commitment to storytelling and world building. My ability to lead (which I’m still working on). My speed.
What do you appreciate most in a work of art?
Layers. Stories. I am often drawn to a moody feeling.
Miles Greenberg, 2023. Courtesy of ALMA Communications.
Who is an emerging artist worthy of everyone’s attention?
My client and wonderful friend Miles Greenberg is a performer and sculptor. I’ve worked with Miles for four years now and watched his career blossom. He pushes the limits of his mental and physical state like no one else does.
Other talented friends who I believe are going fast – Alteronce Gumby, Caleb Hahne Quintana, Kevin Claiborne, Melissa Joseph and Pamela Council.
Who is an unknown artist who has not yet received his due?
Mohammad Gorjestani, filmmaker and photographer with whom I had the pleasure of working and whom I now call a friend. Mo is well known and respected in his industry, but I would like to see him become a household name. I look forward to his first feature film.
What do you think is the most overrated thing in the art world?
Bad gala food. We all deserve better.
What is your most valuable asset?
My engagement ring and wedding band, which my husband and I designed with Eva Fehren.
ALMA crew. Courtesy of Hannah Gottlieb-Graham.
What was your best investment?
Building my amazing all-female team.
What is something small that means the world to you?
Monday morning syncs with my girls. We recently started a practice of giving each other individual shoutouts from the previous week, setting concrete goals for the week ahead, and thinking about the best ways to support each other and collaborate. It’s been a great way to connect and say thank you amid the fast pace of PR work.
What’s not worth the hype?
Cancel culture, without real speech.
What do you think is a good cause?
The fight for equity, both in the art world and globally.
What do you aspire to?
Being a cool art mom in a few years. My dear friend Noreen Ahmad is my inspiration!
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