#3. Hoarding, survival jobs and art exhibitions

Including why we collect things, arts marketing jobs and London exhibitions.

Feb 24, 2025

INSPIRATION

“Ownership is the most intimate relationship that one can have to objects. Not that they come alive in him; it is he who lives in them,” says Walter Benjamin - art theorist, philosopher and author of On Collectors and Collecting. This week, we dive into what it is that makes us collect things - and why, for some people, this desire can escalate.

A photo from *Hoard* directed by Luna Carmoon.

Why we collect things

I recently came across a talk by neuroscientist, psychologist and collector of pinball machines Daniel Krawczyck on what it is that drives the human compulsion to collect.

According to Krawczyk, collecting objects is deeply rooted in our evolutionary history. As hunter gatherers, humans collected tools that were essential to their survival.

Perhaps as a consequence of this early need, the act of collecting continues to stimulate our brain’s reward system, in particular releasing dopamine - a neurotransmitter associated with pleasurable activities like eating delicious food or reaching a personal goal.

When we share a love of collecting specific objects such as bottles of wine, records or playing cards with another person or wider community, the act of collecting can even stimulate oxytocin - the neurotransmitter associated with love, social bonding and emotional connection.

Krawczyk also cited the concept of autobiographical memory, which refers to the defining situations or events that happen to us throughout our lives - such as early birthdays, weddings or the birth of a child. Objects that remind us of these memories naturally become incredibly important to us.

There’s also a sense of privilege that comes with collecting things. The ability to build a collection means that you have a space to call your own. That you feel secure enough in your space to trust that your collection will be safe.

I started my own collection of rocks on a trip with my dad that I thought might be our last, but thankfully wasn’t. When I look at the rock I found on that trip, I’m reminded of this blessing. When I look at the rock I picked up on a solo walk in Italy after a deer crossed my path, I’m reminded of that moment, too.

Whatever it is you personally collect, it may be reassuring to know that your compulsion is driven by real, chemical responses in your brain - even if the thing you collect is dinosaur poo or umbrella covers.

Hoarding

In people who demonstrate hoarding behaviour, research has found that irregular dopamine levels can drive an increased desire to acquire objects, while oxytocin can intensify a person’s attachment to them. This combination can make it difficult to let go of cherished items, even if there are negative consequences.

The film Hoard directed by Luna Carmoon explores the relationship between protagonist Maria (played by Saura Lightfoot-Leon), her mother Cynthia (Hayley Squires) and their collective hoard - or ‘catalogue of love’. We meet Maria at eight years old (played by Lily-Beau Leach) and observe how her mother’s hoarding impacts her daily life. Later, when they’re estranged, we see how hoarding helps Maria feel close to her mother - despite a growing stench from her collection.

OPPORTUNITIES

Arts marketing can be an incredibly rewarding career - whether it’s your main focus or a means to support your chosen art form. Below is a round-up of marketing roles at arts, cultural and heritage organisations - from entry through to leadership level.

A photo from *Electric Dreams: Art and Technology Before The Internet* at Tate Modern.

Junior

Communications & Marketing Assistant at Intermusica Artists Management in central London - an international classical music agency who represent musicians, tour orchestras and develop award-winning projects. Full time, up to £30,000. Closes 26th February.

Marketing and Design Assistant at Open Doors in Nottinghamshire - an Arts Council funded programme that aims to increase creative opportunities for young people. Part time, hybrid working offered, up to £25,183. Closes 5th March.

Marketing and Communications Assistant at Young Sounds in Bristol - who help talented young people from low income families fulfil their musical potential. Part time, £18,345. Closes 17th March.

Mid level

Marketing and Audiences Manager at Woolwich Works in south east London - a multidisciplinary cultural hub that hosts live music, comedy and family events. Full time, up to £36,650. Closes 24th February.

Marketing Coordinator at Arcola Theatre in east London - a producing theatre that presents plays, operas and musicals featuring established and emerging artists. Full time, up to £32,000. Closes 2nd March.

Marketing Manager at Take Me Somewhere Festival in Glasgow - Scotland’s national organisation for the promotion and development of performance practice, with a biennial festival. Part time, up to £34,000. Closes 14th March.

Senior

Sales and Marketing Director at Park Theatre in north London - a producing theatre that programmes new dramas, musicals and experimental productions. Maternity contract, full time with part time and job sharing arrangements considered, up to £50,000. Closes 4th March.

Lead Marketing Manager (Membership) at Tate in central London - a family of art galleries in London, Liverpool and Cornwall. Full time, flexible working offered, £54,027. Closes 10th March.

Head of Marketing and Audiences at Harewood House Trust in Yorkshire - the charitable trust that manages Harewood House’s collections of art, furnishings, gardens, green spaces and events. Full time, flexible working offered, £40,000. Closes 2nd March.

EVENTS

I was recently reminded of how bloody lovely it is to go to an exhibition with a friend and talk about the pieces on display. Below is a selection of current or upcoming London exhibitions to help you do the same.

A highlight from Somaya Critchlow’s exhibition *The Chamber* at Dulwich Picture Gallery.

The Chamber by Somaya Critchlow at Dulwich Picture Gallery

Somaya Critchlow’s debut solo show was made in response to Dulwich Picture Gallery’s historic collection of paintings. The exhibition presents six newly commissioned works inspired by paintings of the Old Masters, with a beautiful use of light and complementary colours. It’s a small collection, but tickets also grant access to the gallery’s permanent collection and concurrent Tirzah Garwood exhibition. £20, now until 20th July.

Narratives of Identity at Saatchi Gallery

Narratives of Identity brings together the work of four recent art graduates - Qinyao Dai, Hsin Hwang, Shayla Marshall and Jahnvi Singh. Their work across painting, sculpture, photography and mixed media explores identity, storytelling and narrative. Free, now until 19th March.

1965: Malcolm in Winter: A Translation Exercise by Theaster Gates at White Cube Bermondsey

An exhibition centred around the artist Gates’ relationship with Japanese journalist Ei Nagata and his partner Haruhi Ishitani, and their shared dedicated to preserving Malcolm X’s legacy. The Japanese couple were present at Malcolm X’s assassination, and created an archive documenting his final months. The display includes pieces from this archive, large scale installations and works on film. Free, now until 6th April.