I’m an independent communications consultant specialising in publicising cultural projects, organisations and artists. With 20 years of PR experience my work supports festivals, arts venues, touring performances and exhibitions.
I am passionate about working with artists, designers, curators and directors to widen access to cultural experiences.
If you have a compelling project ready to benefit from a robust and considered creative publicity campaign, I would love to hear from you.
"Working with Owen was a total game-changer for my first solo exhibition. His dedication, responsibility, and how we just got each other made all the difference. Communication was spot-on, and his intuitive understanding of the project was a total breakthrough."
— Rio Kobayashi, Designer
Photo by James Harris
Areas of Expertise:
Visual Art, Craft & Design
Festivals and Events
Science and Environmental Projects
“I had the pleasure of working with Owen on the 2024 Dundee Design Festival. He was an integral part of our delivery team advising us on all aspects of PR and developing an extensive and hugely successful PR Campaign for Dundee Design Festival which surpassed all our expectations.
Owen is an incredibly insightful, thoughtful and considered PR who will support you to get the best out of your project. I greatly respected his honestly - if he thought your idea wasn't going to work not only would he explain the why, but he'd also come back to you with something WAY better.
Owen's experience and his little black book means that he can develop your campaign and place it where and when it matters the most. DDF would never have had the reach or impact without him. Professional to the end, Owen keeps you focused and on message with a balance and enthusiasm that can also make the most of any surprise opportunities that present themselves.
While I won't quote them, at the launch event of DDF a national journalist said to me 'the best decision you've made for DDF is to hire Owen O'Leary'. I wouldn't hesitate to work with him again.”
— Annie Marrs, Lead Officer at UNESCO City of Design Dundee and Executive Director Dundee Design Festival
Photo by Grant Anderson
“Owen helped us in the 8 weeks leading up to Local Heroes: Scottish Design at Edinburgh Airport to develop a broad ranging and high quality PR strategy. He helped us to clarify what type of PR we wanted – and where – across print and digital channels resulting in high impact (and high value) features from the BBC to Design Week and Vogue. Owen was also invaluable in coaching me as the project director in how to successfully execute interviews for TV and radio.”
— Dr Stacey Hunter, Local Heroes
Photo by Ross Fraser Mclean / Studio Ro Ro
Past and Present clients include:
Craft Scotland // Brompton Design District // Edinburgh Printmakers // Local Heroes Design // Dundee Design Festival // Scottish Dance Theatre // Hospitalfield // The Cordis Trust // Fife Contemporary // Edinburgh College of Art // Forth Rivers Trust // Fruitmarket Gallery // Scottish Contemporary Art Network // Eden Project // Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh // Scottish Sculpture Workshop // Panel // Federation of Scottish Theatre // Creative Edinburgh // Edinburgh Festival Fringe // Bothy Project // Katy West // Traverse Theatre // The Scottish Gallery // Edinburgh Science // Architecture Fringe // Volcano Theatre
"I cannot recommend Owen O'Leary enough - he works total PR magic and yet somehow seems to make it all seem effortless. For me as a freelance artist having someone with all the expertise and experience working with the press made Owen invaluable. Above all else he is also extremely reliable, dedicated and engaged with the work as well as passionate about getting it to a wider audience. One of the best professional collaborations I have experienced - I plan to bring Owen on board for all my creative projects going forward."
— Mella Shaw, Artist / Maker
Photo by David Evans
"Owen has managed our Press and PR for many different projects over the past seven years which have ranged from UK-wide events and exhibitions, advocacy and public campaigns and specific projects of varying scale. We have benefitted from Owen’s expertise in shaping campaigns and his professional contacts have enabled us to achieve considerable media reach. Owen also provides organisational communications advice on an ad-hoc basis which has been an incredibly useful support. In addition, he delivers professional development sessions each year for makers as part of our COMPASS professional development programme.
Owen’s experience and understanding makes for a great working relationship. He is always reassuringly calm and considered in giving advice and grasps what is needed really quickly. He is extremely professional in all ways and nothing is ever a problem.
I would highly recommend working with Owen for organisations and individuals."
— Irene Kernan, Director, Craft Scotland
Photo by Iona Wolff
“Owen’s presence was integral to the journey and the development of ‘irenie studio’ growing and the making of ‘on the square’.
A building, a restoration was the box BUT Owen knew from the onset that the core of this was the makers, partners and collaborators and the stories. The many stories that were unfolding and would find their place in this Vitrine.
Not only does he have a deep love of craft, the arts, design, and the love of people, Owen is interested, invested and works seamlessly between the press and the client. He brings in not only the right people and contacts but the right fit for the fitting story and unveiling. Beyond organised on the run up and during press days. Maître d’, conductor, connector, call sheets, refreshments and a true love of that he does. ”
— Irenie Cossey, Director, Irenie Studio
“Owen’s calm and grounded approach, his genuine enthusiasm for the work, and his ability to build and sustain authentic relationships with a broad range of contacts was the perfect complement to our risky but rewarding Fringe venture. Owen asked gentle but searching questions about the brief and helped us to clarify our objectives and play to our strengths.
He was present on the ground when it counted, always good-humoured, and kept us thoroughly informed as to what was going on behind the scenes. We were extremely pleased with the profile achieved and with the level of press, industry and public engagement with the work, and we look forward to working with Oh Really Creative again at the earliest opportunity.”
“We were about to launch our new £10 million home to the public with very little in-house PR experience. There was a list, but no know-how or know-who. Owen led a massively successful and high profile campaign across all print and broadcast media placing us firmly on the cultural map. With excellent communication skills, a great deal of experience and a whole lot of charm, Owen is still with us and continues to provide a 5* service, key to extending our reach and impact.”
— Shân Edwards, Former Chief Executive, Edinburgh Printmakers