Meet Celine Barns
With a business instinct and a passion for redefining how art is experienced beyond the traditional gallery model, I launched Velvet Walls to bring a fresh perspective to art transactions and accessibility. My mission is simple: to help artists build sustainable careers while offering businesses access to original art—without the burden of ownership.
After graduating from Business School, I spent six years working in Recruiting, Careers, and Business Development within fast-paced startup environments in Paris and Berlin. These experiences sharpened my understanding of people, taught me how to scale ideas, and deepened my ability to navigate complex markets.
In 2018, a personal turning point shifted my path: a close family member transitioned into a career in visual arts. I supported them in building their new trajectory, which led to international exhibitions and recognition. That experience opened my eyes to the challenges within the art world—how difficult it is for artists to generate consistent revenue, and how businesses often struggle to discover and integrate original art that fits their environment and brand.
After five years of conversations, research, and immersion in the art world, I launched Velvet Walls in 2024—an art leasing company built at the intersection of creativity and commerce.