LONDON.- As of October 2023, Paul Smith’s Foundation named Martha Mosse the inaugural Director. Appointed to take the helm on programming, strategy, fundraising, and events to deliver on its global mission and ensure the long-term success of the Foundation. Working closely with founder & designer Sir Paul Smith and the trustees, the role harnesses the spirit and values of Sir Paul’s career by cultivating programmes which bring about opportunities for early career creative people, by supporting with business development skills and offering valuable advice to help build long term sustained careers.

Previously at Sarabande Foundation from its inception to serving as Head of Operations & Artist Relations. Assisting the CEO, responsibilities were to support the establishment of the headquarters and programme of the charitable initiative from Lee Alexander McQueen. Mosse also served as General Manager at The Wick, working with the Founder on the launch of the content and cultural partnerships platform as well as delivering exhibitions, programming, and patron development for clients including Claridge’s ArtSpace and The Design Museum amongst others.

Paul Smith’s Foundation initiatives launched to date include The Fashion Residency at Studio Smithfield, a pioneering programme of business development training for early career fashion designers in the heart of the City of London, delivered in partnership with the Mayor of London, Projekt and British GQ. The International Art Prize initiative, delivered in partnership with heritage artists materials company Winsor & Newton, and activating simultaneously across Tokyo, Hong Kong, LA, New York, Paris, and London in its first year. The Foundation has also extended its grant-giving in a new partnership with the Royal Drawing School, alongside the existing long-standing grants in arts and fashion education.

Sir Paul Smith has spent the last 50 years growing a global business as Britain’s foremost fashion designer. Renowned for his passion, positivity and determination, Paul puts his enduring success down to the many influential people who’ve advised him over the decades. In turn, he has shared his learnings with plenty of ambitious and talented individuals looking to start their own businesses. Paul Smith’s Foundation was started to provide a forum for his personal archive of helpful advice for creatives, and is intended to provide guidance and inspiration for a new generation of talent to take things to the next level while adhering to Paul’s number one priority: that you have fun along the way.