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.