Why We Collect: Collectors in Conversation

In conversation with Andrew Martin and Sue Cato moderated by Sebastian Goldspink

A series of conversations celebrating the collecting stories behind the works on display in the Collectors Lounge. Moderated by curator Sebastian Goldspink, each session brings together leading collectors to discuss what first draws them to a work, how collections evolve over time, the relationships they build with artists and galleries, and the important role collecting plays in supporting Australia’s contemporary art ecosystem.

Each talk runs for approximately 45 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of Q&A. A valid ticket to Sydney Contemporary 2026 is required for entry to this talk. Buy tickets online here.

About the Speakers

Andrew Martin is a Managing Director at MA Financial Group and the Head of the firm’s Asset Management business. He has over 30 years’ experience in global investments as a principal investor and adviser across a range of sectors including real estate, infrastructure, private equity and energy. Driven by a strong passion for the arts, Andrew founded the MA Art Prize, complemented by his personal collection of contemporary art chronicling Australia’s artistic talent over recent decades.

Sue Cato has been a leader in corporate communications and issues management for over 20 years and is an avid art collector. She is a board member of Carriageworks and is a member of Chief Executive Women. Sue is a regular panelist on ABC TV’s The Drum and on the 2UE Breakfast Show and is a commentator on business issues for the national press.

Sebastian Goldspink is a Sydney-based independent curator. In 2011, he created the artist run space, ALASKA Projects as a platform for exhibiting contemporary art in unused or disused spaces. Since its inception, ALASKA has showcased over 500 artists across 150 exhibitions. A proud descendant of the Burramattagal people of Western Sydney, Goldspink has curated exhibitions nationally throughout Australia and internationally in London, Los Angeles, New Orleans and Christchurch. In 2022 he curated the Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art for the Art Gallery of Australia entitled Free/State. The Biennial bought together a multi-generational group of 25 Australian artists. Goldspink has held professional appointments at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Art Month Sydney, National Art School and Dlux Media Arts.

The 10th Edition Collector Lounge presentation has been generously supported by our partners Aon and Artwork Transport.

Image: Tristan Chant, Game Night, 2024 and Mount Titan, 2024. Acquired from BAProjects at Sydney Contemporary 2024