Hi, I'm Julie Taylor - Founder & Director at Guns & Rain Art
I'm driven by bringing the vibrant world of contemporary African art to global stages. My sweet spot is blending strategic communications and deep cultural understanding to elevate artists and foster meaningful connections within the art ecosystem.
At a glance
Curated signals on strengths, focus areas, and how they can help.
Headed Google's communications for Sub-Saharan Africa, driving internet access.
Founded Guns & Rain, an online-first gallery championing emerging African artists.
Can help others by connecting them with contemporary African art and cultural insights.
🚀 Career trajectory
Academic Foundation
Grounded in social anthropology and international development, with degrees from Cambridge and Oxford Universities. Focused research on NGOs, rural development, and identity politics.
✦ Social Anthropology
✦ International Development
✦ PhD
Global Communications Architect
Led communications for Google across Sub-Saharan Africa and emerging markets, focusing on digital inclusion and ecosystem strengthening.
✦ Corporate Communications
✦ Emerging Markets
Art World Visionary
Founded Guns & Rain, an innovative contemporary African art gallery, and pursued an MA in Art History, blending commercial acumen with deep cultural understanding.
✦ Art Gallery Founder
✦ Contemporary Art
✦ Art History
Independent Consultant
Leveraging extensive experience to provide communications consulting to a range of clients in the private and non-profit sectors.
✦ Communications Consulting
✦ Non-Profit
✦ Private Sector
💪🏻 Superpowers
Cultivating Global Art Platforms
Bridging continents for African contemporary art
✦ Founded Guns & Rain, a gallery that has supported over 80 artists from 11 African countries
✦ Dozens of collaborations with galleries, curators, universities and associations around the world
✦ Conceptualised, curated and executed a 100 exhibitions over the past 12 years in 17 cities in 13 countries
Strategic Communications Leadership
Amplifying narratives for tech and development
✦ Headed Google's communications for Sub-Saharan Africa, driving internet access and digital relevance.
✦ Pioneered digital innovation in newsrooms and brought 100,000 businesses online.
✦ Offer expert communications consulting to diverse private and non-profit organizations.
Deep Historical & Social Insight
Connecting culture, identity, and development
✦ Researched NGOs, rural development, and identity politics in Namibia and Zimbabwe.
✦ Author of 'Naming the Land', based on doctoral research with indigenous communities.
✦ Published in leading academic journals and South African publications.
I'm excited about
✦ Eager to explore collaborations that amplify contemporary African voices.
✦ Connecting with curators and collectors interested in African art
✦ Expanding my network of partner galleries and institutions globally
I can help with
✦ Connect you with emerging contemporary African artists and their work.
✦ Provide strategic communications guidance for cultural or development initiatives.
✦ Share insights on navigating the African art market and its stakeholders.
I would love your help on
✦ Recommendations for international art fairs and exhibition opportunities.
✦ Introductions to art collectors and patrons interested in African contemporary art.
✦ Advice on expanding a gallery's reach into new global markets.