Olivia Aherne is a curator and researcher interested in discursive frameworks, collective learning, and ways in which we can facilitate and mediate multiple understandings of the world. Her recent research explores practices that disrupt or provoke society through critical analysis and action, and she often looks to a 'slowing down' as an attempt to work against a world that values data and profit driven performance and production. This 'slowing down', instead prioritises human interaction and exchange, it appreciates the importance of gathering together in time and space to contemplate, question and critique, and works against linear, tunnel-vision acceleration by encouraging cross-disciplinary programmes and a blurring of voices and visions. She has curated and collaborated on projects at Lewisham Arthouse (London, UK), The Design Museum (London, UK) and The Onassis Cultural Centre (Athens, Greece). She has also commissioned contemporary work by a range of artists and collectives including Libita Clayton, Jade Montserrat and Keiken.

Olivia is also the co-founder and curator of DRIVE-THRU, a collective that works with artists practicing at the intersection of art and technology, and has contributed to publications such as thisistomorrow and Orlando. She holds an MA in Curating Contemporary Art from the Royal College of Art, London (2018) and a BA in History of Art from the University of Leeds (2013).