Lele Barnett is an art advisor and curator who has spent over 25 years helping artists, collectors, and organizations find each other and do meaningful work together. Beyond her work with private clients, she is co-founder, curator, and program director at xispa — an art innovation lab, residency, and exhibition space where artists and technologists experiment with ideas that don't fit traditional museums or galleries.

Over her career, Lele has served as a curator for Meta Open Arts, the Microsoft Art Collection, the Starbucks Art Collection, and the Washington State Arts Commission. At Meta Reality Labs Research, she co-created the ART and Expansive Thinking program, an initiative that united artists and researchers to spark creativity, experimentation, and innovation. She was also co-founder of McLeod Residence, a home for extraordinary living through art, technology, and collaboration.

She has curated independent exhibitions for Tacoma Art Museum, Wing Luke Museum, Forest For The Trees, Bumbershoot Festival, and the Washington State Convention Center, and currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Frye Art Museum.

Lele is a member of the Association of Professional Art Advisors (APAA), the only accrediting body for the industry in the United States. Working with an APAA advisor means impartial, seasoned guidance as you navigate the world of fine art — with undivided advocacy on your behalf.