Art of wishes appoints Gia De Picciotto as Chair
Founding Committee member confirmed as Chair as Art of Wishes prepares for its tenth anniversary and expands its engagement with the wider creative community.
Art of Wishes, the fundraising initiative bringing together the art and creative communities in support of Make-A-Wish UK, has announced the appointment of Gia de Picciotto as Chair.
Gia has served as Interim Chair over recent months and has been closely involved with Art of Wishes since its inception in 2017. Her appointment marks an important next step for the initiative as it builds towards its tenth anniversary and seeks to enable Make-A-Wish UK to grant life-changing wishes for more children living with critical illness.
Jason Suckley, Chief Executive of Make-A-Wish UK, said: “Gia has already demonstrated tremendous commitment and leadership during her time on the committee and as Interim Chair. Her understanding of Art of Wishes, together with her ambition to bring new voices and communities into its work, will be invaluable as we seek to grant wishes for more children living with critical illness.”
As Chair, Gia will build upon the strong foundations established by Art of Wishes’ Founder and Honorary President, Batia Ofer, and the initiative’s dedicated Committee. Alongside deepening relationships with the artists, galleries, collectors and supporters who have shaped Art of Wishes, Gia intends to expand its reach into new communities and engage emerging artists and creative voices.
A central ambition for this next chapter will be exploring how different forms of creativity can become part of the Art of Wishes community and contribute to its fundraising and wish-granting impact.
Gia de Picciotto, Chair of Art of Wishes, said: “Having been part of Art of Wishes since its inception, it is a privilege to take on the role of Chair. I have seen first-hand what we have built together and, most importantly, the impact our work can have in helping Make-A-Wish UK grant wishes for children and their families.
“Art of Wishes has always been a passionate collective effort. I want to preserve everything that has made it so special while welcoming new constituencies, emerging artists and a wider range of creative voices into our community.
“As we approach our tenth anniversary, we have a wonderful opportunity to consider what Art of Wishes can become and how we can increase the impact we have. By growing our community, we can help Make-A-Wish UK reach more children and families with the extraordinary and lasting power of a wish.”
Gia has supported Make-A-Wish UK since moving to London more than 25 years ago. She has served on the boards of Southbank International School, the NSPCC, Jewish Care and the Bridgehampton Childcare & Recreational Center, and is currently a Director and Advisory Board member at the Reuben Foundation.
She also brings two decades of experience in strategic communications and production, having worked with organisations including ABC News, DoubleClick, HBO and Warner Music.
Sachin Jogia, Chair of Make-A-Wish UK, said: “For a child and family whose year is organised around hospital appointments, a wish is the one thing in the diary that isn’t. It gives them something to look forward to together, and it stays with them long after the day itself.
“My congratulations to Gia, and my thanks to Batia and everyone on the Committee. Year after year they give their time, their creativity and their generosity, and children get their wishes because of it. I’m only a few weeks into my time as Chair and I already feel lucky to be part of something with this much heart behind it. I’m looking forward to working with them all.”
Gia’s appointment comes ahead of the Art of Wishes Ladies Lunch, taking place at BAFTA, 195 Piccadilly, on 13 October 2026. Centred on the theme The Art of Healing, the event will explore the role creativity can play in supporting wellbeing, connection and hope, while raising vital funds for Make-A-Wish UK.
The Lunch forms part of a growing programme of events and creative collaborations leading towards the tenth-anniversary Art of Wishes Gala in 2027. The anniversary will provide an opportunity to celebrate the initiative’s achievements to date while setting out an ambitious vision for its future impact.
Since its establishment in 2017, Art of Wishes has raised more than £15 million and helped Make-A-Wish UK grant over 6,000 wishes for children living with critical illness.
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