Women of Culture LA

Advance Purchase Required here

​Set on a historic former rail site in Santa Monica, Bergamot has evolved from an industrial station into a beloved gallery campus known for its creative energy, independent spirit, and role in shaping L.A.’s contemporary art scene. With the future of the center being uncertain, this may be one of the last opportunities to experience one of Los Angeles' most vibrant hubs for contemporary art before it’s gone!

Advance Purchase Required here

​Together, we'll explore a selection of galleries and current exhibitions while gaining behind-the-scenes insight into the artists, ideas, and people shaping today's art landscape. The tour will place a special focus on women artists and gallerists, highlighting their contributions to Los Angeles' creative community.

​Along the way, Hannah will share stories about Bergamot Station's history and evolution, offering a deeper understanding of its role within Southern California's cultural scene. Participants will also get an approachable introduction to the world of collecting, galleries, and the contemporary art market.
​
Whether you're an avid gallery-goer, a curious newcomer, or interested in starting your own collection, this experience is designed to spark conversation, connection, and discovery.
​
Why Join?

• ​Explore Bergamot Station through the eyes of an experienced curator and art advisor.
• ​Discover standout exhibitions, artists, and galleries while meeting fellow art lovers.
• ​Gain valuable insight into collecting and navigating the contemporary art world.

​
Schedule
​11:15 AM — Arrival & Check-In (meet at Craig Krull Gallery in Building B3)
​11:30 AM — Guided Tour Begins
​1:00 PM — Optional Group Brunch at Le Great Outdoors
​
Location:
Bergamot Station Arts Center -
2525 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
​______

Advance Purchase Required here

​Tickets:
​Tour Only: $70 First Release; $75 full price

​Full Experience: Tour + Brunch: $100 ​first release; $110 full price
(Includes one brunch item at Le Great Outdoors + tax/tip)

***

## ​More about our Guide

​Hannah Sloan is a Los Angeles–based curator, art advisor, and educator with more than two decades of experience working across galleries, museums, private collections, and artist-led initiatives.
​Known for her thoughtful, approachable perspective, Hannah is passionate about making contemporary art accessible to wider audiences and helping people engage more deeply with the artists, ideas, and stories that shape today's cultural landscape.

Note about tickets/ RSVP's:

• RSVPs on Meetup do NOT count as official registrations for this event, and the RSVP count on Meetup may not reflect the actual number of attendees. To attend, you must purchase a ticket, which guarantees your spot, regardless of whether you RSVP here.
• All paid and confirmed attendees will receive an email from [alex@womenofculture.org](mailto:alex@womenofculture.org)] 1–2 days before the event with further details, including a link to a WhatsApp group for important updates. If you do not receive this email (make sure to check your spam as well), it likely means you did not complete registration or payment.

Advance Purchase Required here

During the Biennale, the city becomes an extraordinary meeting point for contemporary art, with major national pavilions, museum exhibitions, foundation shows, and special projects unfolding across Venice. To be there is to experience not only the Biennale itself, but the wider cultural energy it brings to the entire city.

Designed for those who want more than access alone, this highly curated, expert-led journey offers a thoughtful way to engage with it all. Guests will explore the Biennale’s major exhibitions alongside important museum shows, historic palazzi, and remarkable foundations, while sharing the experience with a group of like-minded, art-full women.

Curated dining experiences create space for conversation, connection, and discovery, resulting in an insider’s view of Venice that is rich in perspective, beautifully organized, and impossible to replicate on one’s own.

Advance Purchase Required here

### Tentative Schedule (subject to change):

Times are approximate and schedule is subject to change at the leader’s discretion.

Day 1 — Wed 16 Sep
Arrival & time to settle in
Afternoon: Optional neighborhood walk + spritz
Evening: Sunset Gondola ride

Day 2 — Thu 17 Sep
Morning: Homo Faber, San Giorgio Maggiore
Afternoon: Arsenale (Biennale day 1)
Evening: Cicchetti walking tour

Day 3 — Fri 18 Sep
Morning: Giardini pavilions (Biennale day 2)
Afternoon: Gallerie dell'Accademia — permanent collection + Marina Abramović Transforming Energy
Evening: Option to see Pagliacci at Teatro La Fenice (not included)

Day 4 — Sat 19 Sep
Morning: Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Afternoon: Pinault Collection — Palazzo Grassi + Punta della Dogana
Evening: Helter Skelter at Fondazione Prada, Ca' Corner della Regina

Day 5 — Sun 20 Sep
Morning: Murano — guided factory tour + glassblowing demo
Afternoon: Fondazione Dries Van Noten, Palazzo Pisani Moretta

Day 6 — Mon 21 Sep
Farewell breakfast & Departure

Who this trip is for:
Anyone who identifies as a woman and has an interest in art, culture, and community, and wants to experience the Venice Biennale with a small group of like-minded, art-full women.

It is designed for those who are genuinely interested in engaging with contemporary art, exploring Venice through a curated, expert-led program, and building meaningful connections with fellow travelers. We are looking for guests who want to contribute to a shared experience that is enriching, social, and inspiring for everyone involved—think of it as traveling with chosen family and friends.

Who this trip is NOT for:

• Anyone who prefers to travel independently or spend most of their time outside of the group experience rather than engaging in a shared itinerary.
• Anyone who is unable or unwilling to be flexible, collaborative, and considerate within a small group setting, especially during a dynamic cultural week.
• Anyone who is looking for a standard, large-scale tour where every detail is fully managed, rather than a thoughtfully curated, participatory experience.

***

FAQ's

1. Can I book my own hotel/stay separately from the group?
Since the trip is designed as community-based travel, our goal is to keep all attendees together in one hotel so that we can experience Venice together as a group. Though of course there is free time built into the itinerary for you to experience the city on your own if desired.

2. What is NOT included?
All meals, transportation (to/from Venice as well as in Venice), as well as any additional activities are separate and must be paid individually.

3. What if I don’t know anyone — do I need to come with a friend?
No! Most women attend our Art-full Abroad trips on their own, and the idea is that we will all get to know one another over the course of the weekend. However, please do let me know if you are coming with a friend with whom you would like to share a room.

4. Do I have to stay with the group/attend all pre-planned activities on the itinerary?
All attendees are expected to attend the scheduled group activities unless the group leader is given advance notice, or in the event of sickness or an emergency. No refunds can be provided for any of the included activities not attended. Please remember this a group trip designed for the community to experience Venice together. Please do NOT book the trip if you prefer to do your own thing or are not aligned with the proposed itinerary.

Note about tickets/ RSVP's:

• RSVPs on Meetup do NOT count as official registrations for this event, and the RSVP count on Meetup may not reflect the actual number of attendees. To attend, you must purchase a ticket, which guarantees your spot, regardless of whether you RSVP here.
• All paid and confirmed attendees will receive an email from [alex@womenofculture.org](mailto:alex@womenofculture.org)] 1–2 days before the event with further details, including a link to a WhatsApp group for important updates. If you do not receive this email (make sure to check your spam as well), it likely means you did not complete registration or payment.