Fé (Portuguese for faith or belief) is a collective that aims to create time and space to foster critical dialogue and equip the next generation of female artists.
Why we exist
Inspired by Virginia Woolf’s seminal essay, A Room of One’s Own (1929), where Woolf reflects on the potential accomplishments of women if afforded the same opportunities as men, asserting that the foundation for creative expression lies in economic independence and a room of one’s own. The collective provides the space for female artists to share the artist's lived experiences. The collective also addresses other barriers, such as the historical limitation of access to education and restricted social propriety, through our one-year artist program Freshers as well as exhibitions, life drawing, and events.
Meet the Founders
Fé Collective is co-founded by Lydia Higton and Lydia Smith. Unique in skill sets and positioning in the art world, the duo utilise their strengths to fulfil their shared vision of equipping the next generation of female artists.
Lydia Higton is currently works for Artnet and previously worked at KTW x The Wick. Higton works with blue-chip galleries, international and emerging artists, and luxury markets on bespoke events, press, marketing and digital strategy. Higton is an independent curator and through research lead exhibitions, continues her study into the social mobility for female artists. She is also a creative director and a painter.
Lydia Smith is a multi-disciplined artist who works with historical and contemporary processes. Smith was trained in academic sculpture at the University of the Arts London (2014-2017), and continued her training at private ateliers in Greece, Spain and France. She has represented Great Britain in international Snow and Ice carving championships in Switzerland and China and has exhibited at Bowman Sculpture (2024), Christie’s (2023), Saatchi Gallery (2022). Smith also works within the British Film industry.
Meet Fé Collective’s Advisors
Fé Collective is honoured to have Dr Stephanie Dieckvoss, Millie Jason Foster, and Helen Ho as advisors on our board. Each brings a unique set of skills and perspectives, helping to guide the future of the collective while holding our founders accountable in serving their community.
Dr Stephanie Dieckvoss
Stephanie is a Senior Lecturer in Art History and Co-Convenor of the MA in Art and Business at the Courtauld Institute. Her research centres on contemporary art markets, particularly alternative models within the evolving structures of artistic production and consumption. Her current work explores the histories and practices of art fairs. She has published widely in academic journals and edited book volumes. Stephanie brings over 15 years of international experience across commercial galleries and art fairs and is the art market correspondent for the German financial newspaper “Handelsblatt”.
Millie Jason Foster
Millie Jason Foster is the Founder and Director of Gillian Jason Gallery, the first gallery in the UK dedicated exclusively to representing art by women. Drawing on her background in investment banking and tech startups, she brings a business-driven approach to championing pioneering women in creative fields. Millie is also the Founder of New Vanguard Collectors and was featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2025.
Helen Ho
Helen is a contemporary art specialist and cultural project manager with over 15 years of experience in the art world – from curating digital exhibitions and managing international touring shows to building relationships with artists, collectors, institutions, and technology partners. She is the founder of Artesphere, manages the dslcollection, and is the editor of Photo London’s e-magazine.