Founder & Creative Director

Dr Fatemeh Takht-Keshian

Fatemeh is a London-based artist, curator, and lecturer in drawing, painting, and art history. She holds a practice-based PhD in Art from Lancaster University and has a strong academic background in fine art and cultural history. In 2018, she founded CISTA ARTS, an interdisciplinary platform that supports artists engaging with contemporary social issues and global concerns. Through her teaching, curatorial projects, and research, Fatemeh promotes critical dialogue around identity, history, and representation. CISTA ARTS represents artists whose work transcends geographic and cultural borders, fostering inclusive and socially engaged artistic practices.

Branding & Marketing

Dr Elena Nichele

Elena received her Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics from Lancaster University (UK) in 2020. She discovered her deep interest in interactions between Languages and Marketing in 2005. She holds degrees in Languages for Business Communications and International Tourism Promotion (2011) from the University of Verona (Italy) and International Business from the University of Florida (2013). She is currently a Research Fellow at the University of Nottingham (UK), where she is investigating public perceptions of AI and technology.

Customer Relationship Manager (CRM)

Xara

Xara has over 10 years of experience as a CRM. As part of her job, she is responsible for handling customer relations, include monitoring customer satisfaction, training customer service representatives, improving customer service, interacting with customers, promoting the company's products and services, and reviewing customer evaluations. 

Project Manager

Samaneh Takhtkeshian

Samaneh is an experienced architectural designer and project manager with over a decade of multidisciplinary expertise in design, construction, and project coordination. Holding an MBA from University Canada West and a background in architecture, she brings a unique fusion of artistic sensibility and strategic leadership to her role. As Project Manager at Cista Arts, Samaneh leads and oversees the planning and execution of various artistic and cultural initiatives. Her work ensures that creative visions are translated into impactful, well-structured projects that align with Cista’s mission of supporting emerging and underrepresented voices in contemporary art. She collaborates closely with artists, curators, and partners across Europe and Canada to manage timelines, resources, and stakeholder communication.

Samaneh’s approach is grounded in agile and servant leadership methodologies, promoting collaboration, adaptability, and inclusive team dynamics. Her deep appreciation for cultural heritage and visual storytelling enhances Cista's capacity to deliver meaningful and globally resonant art projects. Samaneh also contributes to the platform’s development by integrating sustainable practices, innovative design solutions, and community engagement strategies across Cista’s residencies, exhibitions, and educational offerings.