The Artbridger Sponsorship Program reflects a commitment to supporting artists beyond commercial transactions, offering the infrastructural backing, critical mentorship, and international mobility required for long-term career longevity. Operating as an incubator for artistic practice, the initiative connects artists with established curators, critics, and market professionals to refine their work, articulate their critical narratives, and navigate complex institutional frameworks. By facilitating access to global residencies, curatorial site visits, and group exhibitions alongside dedicated editorial profiling and critical writing, Artbridger ensures an artist's practice is documented with rigor and presented thoughtfully to global audiences, prioritizing sustainable creative autonomy over immediate market turnarounds.
Artbridger is a curated platform working with a focused roster of contemporary artists across painting, sculpture, digital, and mixed media. Our selection process is deliberate and research-driven, based on studio visits, portfolio review, and long-term practice assessment. We look for artists with a consistent body of work, a clearly developed visual language, and a commitment to professional growth. Beyond aesthetic quality, we consider exhibition history, production capacity, and readiness for international presentation.
Artbridger helps artists break out of local markets and build lasting, international careers. We provide the essential tools, expert guidance, and global network you need to take the next step with confidence. Joining our platform connects you directly with curated physical and digital exhibitions, gallery partnerships, and an international audience of dedicated collectors. We don't just showcase your work; we actively champion your practice through targeted media exposure, editorial features, and professional advisory. With Artbridger, you gain the exposure, commercial reach, and ongoing support needed to build a sustainable career on your own terms.

Original Footage Directed by Laurie Castelli / Produced by Francis Castelli
1999

In "When I Grow Up I Want to Be a Cooker," Maria Marshall challenges viewers with a haunting juxtaposition of innocence and societal vices. Through expertly crafted visuals and skillful editing, Marshall delves into the complexities of childhood perceptions and adult projections, prompting introspection on the fragility of youth and the impact of external influences. The stark contrast between the child's cherubic features and the jarring act of smoking creates a disconcerting tension, inviting viewers to confront their own assumptions and societal norms. Marshall's work serves as a poignant commentary on the blurred boundaries between protection and exploitation, leaving an indelible mark on the viewer's psyche.

The work is primarily composed of three repeating shots. Each image shows a two year old boy smoking a cigarette, either in mid-shot or close-up. He sucks on the cigarette as its tip glows, parts his lips inhaling the smoke deeply into his lungs, and blows a perfectly shaped, billowing smoke ring at the viewer. Within twenty seconds of repetitive action, smoke fills the entire frame, providing the point at which the event loops. This twenty second loop is intimate, inviting and sensual despite the incendiary subject matter. The child invites the viewer’s gaze and returns it unequivocally in what appears to be a disconcerting endorsement of corruption. The video was shown at Manifesta 10 St Petersburg. 2007 and 2014 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 2004 it appears on the front cover of Contemporary magazine.
