Artists & Talks at the 40th Congress & AGM of the Swiss Abroad in the UK
The Swiss in the UK Congress includes inspiring guest speakers from the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad, a talk by Swiss Paralympian Leo McCrea, an art showcase by Ticinese artist Karin Lanini-Arthofer and a unique performance by swiss artist and musician Nat Cartier.
Enjoy a coffee break, network with fellow Swiss Abroad, and end the day with an aperitif hosted by HE Ambassador Markus Leitner and Madame Doris Leitner, followed by an optional dinner at the famous Swiss restaurant St Moritz in Soho.
Register to attend the Congress (free) and dinner in St Moritz (paid)
About Karin Lanini Arthofer
Karin Lanini Arthofer, also known as KLA Artdesign, was born and raised in Switzerland and moved to London ten years ago to expand her creative horizons. With experience in both interior design and fashion, Karin's life has always been immersed in art and style, though painting became a recent passion. Her non-binary art naturally manifests as contemporary and abstract visual art.
"The contemporary art has become for me a channel of instinctive expression, without fears and limits, for inner exploration. Each project is an artistic journey into uncharted territories, where painting serves as a tool to peer into my inner world, acting as meditation. Everyday objects, life experiences, stories, and encounters during travels around the world, inspire my work. Driven by a thirst for knowledge, curiosity, and creativity, I experiment with techniques and materials, bringing to life scultured 3D effects.
I use natural materials, the colours of earth, and add metallic elements to enhance works. I collect sands, shells, newspaper articles, and mementoes from my travels, creating pieces that remind me of how experiences can illuminate something greater. All evolves through the fusion of unexpected and spontaneous elements, where each material reacts and blends with others. This balance escapes rigid definitions, leaving ample room for unpredictability and unique interpretation."
She has sold numerous works to private collectors and has held both private and online exhibitions. Supported by galleries and in collaboration with interior designers, she has exhibited at various hospitality venues in London and Switzerland.
About Leo McCrea
Leo McCrea captured the world’s attention during his breakout swim at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games by winning gold in the SB5 100m breaststroke, marking Switzerland’s first-ever gold in swimming at both Olympic and Paralympic levels. At just 21 years old, Leo’s historic victory is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and his place among the most promising young swimmers on the international stage.
Living in Poole, England, with dual Swiss and British nationality, studying a Sports Management Degree at Bournemouth University and training with Bournemouth Collegiate School Academy, Leo’s relentless drive to succeed extends beyond personal glory; he’s committed to leaving a lasting legacy in Paralympic spor t. With his eyes now set on future world records, Leo McCrea is no longer just swimming for gold – he’s swimming to inspire and transform the perception of athletes with disabilities worldwide, proving that no dream is too big.
About Nat Cartier
Nat Cartier (24) is set to become a musical sensation. He’s an international artist, founder of the Edinburgh Collective and studying Creative Industries (MSc) at the Edinburgh University Futures Institute. His dream is to travel around the globe recording, performing and collaborating across languages and cultures. Full of energy and charismatic stage presence, he is aiming to become one of the most exciting international artists and songwriters of the 21st century.
In 2024 he was appointed as its “Artist in Residence” for 2024 by the Area for the Swiss Abroad Foundation.
