Bow Arts is pleased to announce that João Guarantani has been appointed Bow Arts’ first Executive Director of Business.

Guarantani joins Bow Arts from Create London, where he served as the Head of Strategic Operations. In this role, Guarantani will lead the Partnerships and Places department, dedicated to bolstering Bow Arts’ creative hubs and forging key partnerships. 

With over 15 years’ international experience commissioning and delivering programmes enabling artists and designers to collaborate and innovate, Guarantani is passionate about the role of arts and culture in addressing key global issues.  

Previously, Guarantani worked at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation as Programme Manager for Circular Design, and held multiple roles at the British Council developing cultural programmes that fostered innovation, entrepreneurship and social impact: as Director Arts Europe, Director Arts Mexico and Senior Programme Manager for Architecture, Design and Fashion. 

His work at Create London and the British Council has led him to collaborate with government partners as well as major cultural institutions in the UK, Europe and Latin America.  

João Guarantani said: “I am delighted to be joining Bow Arts in its 30th anniversary year. Artists are at the heart of London’s creativity, and the offer of affordable live and work spaces that Bow Arts provides remains a cornerstone of this ecosystem. I look forward to joining Marcel Baettig and the team in the autumn.” 

Marcel Baettig, CEO at Bow Arts said: “We’re really pleased to share that Bow Arts is forming a new Executive Team – a big step forward as we continue to grow and think about the future. This new structure is about making sure we have the leadership and capacity to support more artists, more communities, and more places across London.  

João brings huge experience in building partnerships and shaping cultural projects that make a real difference to people and places. His perspective will be vital as we grow our capital strategy and explore new ways to keep creative spaces affordable and sustainable.” 

João will join Bow Arts at the end of September 2025.