Fine Art.
Exceptional
Expertise.
Your comprehensive fine art management advisory.
We help private collectors, foundations, public institutions, and arts leaders in Canada and beyond envision and realize their most ambitious ideas and projects.
Our Services
Advising the Arts:
From Vision to Execution
The art world is complex. We offer insight, strategy, and support tailored to each client’s goals, whether personal, financial, social, professional, or institutional.
Art Advisory and
Management
Guidance for all aspects of building, managing, and disposing of art collections. Curatorial, technical, and strategic expertise for public collections or presenting institutions executing major artistic projects or seeking growth.
Arts
Philanthropy
Thoughtful, effective planning and relationship management for individual, family, and institutional giving in the arts.
Family Office and
Estate Support
Art trustee services and FEA-certified support to wealth and estate professionals navigating the complexities of private collections within family wealth.
Board and Leadership Support
Governance and strategic advisory, interim leadership services, and ICF-certified executive coaching for arts executives, boards, and institutions.
The KCS ArtCounsel Difference
What Sets Us Apart
Our Experience
Our founder and collaborators each bring over 30 years of leadership and operational experience, including senior roles at major North American museums and arts institutions, as well as with private collectors.
Our Expertise
Nationally and globally recognized excellence in arts management, curatorial services, conservation, philanthropy, and major artistic projects.
Our Network
Canadian art world leaders with a robust network among major arts institutions, specialists, vendors, service providers, and collectors worldwide.
Our Founder
Thoughtful Counsel,
Deep Sector Roots
Karen Colby-Stothart has been a driving force in elevating Canadian fine arts programming and management at home and internationally for over 35 years. Her passion, discretion, and profound understanding of the sector enable her to craft bold, bespoke solutions tailored to each client.
Our Network
A Trusted Network
of Experts
Behind every successful project is the right expertise. Karen collaborates as needed with a handpicked group of respected professionals in curatorial, conservation, arts management, and philanthropy. Together with you and your team, we can support even the most complex and sensitive projects.
Our Approach
Customized. Comprehensive. Collaborative.
We tailor every engagement to your goals, with a commitment to quality, trust, and impact. Whether finite projects or long-term engagements, we integrate strategic advice with practical management expertise.
Our Clients
OUR REPUTATION
A Culture of Excellence
“What sets Karen apart is her deep background in the arts. This cultural understanding allowed her to tailor her coaching approach in ways that resonated authentically with our leadership team and supported our creative vision. We have seen tremendous success working with her, witnessing measurable improvements in leadership effectiveness, team cohesion, and strategic decision-making.”
Catherine Campos, Senior Manager,
People & Culture, National Arts Centre.
Get in Touch
It all starts with a conversation. Book your complimentary 30-minute discovery call.
© 2025 KCS ArtCounsel Inc. All rights reserved.
+1 343 998-5506
[email protected]
222 Sherwood Dr.
Ottawa, ON K1Y 3V8