About
CISTA ARTS
An interdisciplinary and transcultural arts organisation supporting artists across geographic and cultural boundaries.
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Who We Are
CISTA ARTS Ltd. is a UK-based interdisciplinary and transcultural arts organisation founded in 2018 by artist, curator and educator Dr Fatemeh Takht-Keshian.
We create curated exhibitions, artist development programmes, learning initiatives and publications that connect artists, researchers and audiences across geographic and cultural boundaries.
Our work supports contemporary practices engaging with identity, memory, place, society and global concerns. While maintaining a strong connection with artists from the Middle East, CISTA ARTS works internationally and brings together practitioners from a wide range of cultural, creative and research-based fields.
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The Name
The name ÄŒISTÄ€ draws on the Avestan root cit, associated with noticing, understanding, intuition and idea. It reflects our commitment to artistic inquiry, critical reflection and the development of new perspectives.
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What We Do
Exhibitions
We curate online group and solo exhibitions that bring together diverse artistic practices through focused themes, research and dialogue.
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Artist Development
We support artists in strengthening the presentation, visibility and professional development of their practice through structured programmes and individual opportunities.
Learning
Our learning programmes focus primarily on art history and visual culture, encouraging critical engagement across different periods, regions and cultural contexts.
Publishing
We produce exhibition catalogues, artist books and related publications that document and extend artistic practices and projects.
Our Team
CISTA ARTS brings together experience in artistic practice, curating, education, communication, design and project development.​​
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Founder and Creative Director
Dr Fatemeh Takht-Keshian
Dr Fatemeh Takht-Keshian is an artist, curator, researcher and educator based in London. She holds a practice-based PhD in Art from Lancaster University and works across drawing, painting, collage, art history and curatorial practice.
She founded CISTA ARTS in 2018 to create international opportunities for artists and support practices engaging with questions of identity, history, representation and social change. Alongside directing CISTA ARTS, she teaches fine art and art history and develops research-led exhibitions, publications and artist development programmes.
Artist and Client Relations Manager
Xara
Xara brings over ten years of experience in customer and client relations. At CISTA ARTS, she supports communication with artists, applicants, collectors and project partners, helping to ensure that enquiries are handled clearly, professionally and with care.
Her role includes maintaining relationships, coordinating responses, monitoring feedback and contributing to a positive experience across CISTA ARTS programmes and services.
Brand and Communications
Dr Elena Nichele
Dr Elena Nichele supports branding and communications at CISTA ARTS. She holds a PhD in Applied Linguistics from Lancaster University and has a background in languages, business communication, tourism promotion and international business.
Her experience across research, communication and audience engagement contributes to the presentation of CISTA ARTS programmes and the development of clear and accessible communications for international audiences.
Project Manager
Samaneh Takhtkeshian
Samaneh Takhtkeshian is an architectural designer and project manager with experience in design, construction and multidisciplinary project coordination. She holds an MBA from University Canada West and has a professional background in architecture.
At CISTA ARTS, she supports the planning and delivery of artistic and cultural projects, helping translate creative ideas into structured programmes and coordinating timelines, resources and collaboration across artists and partners.
Selected Partners and Collaborators
Collaboration plays an important role in extending the reach and impact of our work. CISTA ARTS has worked with organisations across higher education, publishing, creative enterprise and cultural production to support exhibitions, learning programmes, publications and artist development.
We welcome conversations with organisations interested in developing meaningful artistic, educational or publishing collaborations.
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Work With Us
We welcome enquiries from artists, curators, collectors, publishers, educational organisations and potential project partners.
Contact us to discuss exhibitions, artist development, learning, publishing, acquisitions or collaborative projects.
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Explore Opportunities​​