An introduction to Sunil Vilas
FOUNDER / ART DEALER/ ART CONSULTANT/ TRUSTEE / LINKEDIN FACEBOOK
Sunil’s professional career began in Zambia in the early 1980s, where he established an advertising agency and worked on creative campaigns for leading organisations including Standard Bank and Royal Swazi Airways. During this period, he also served as Managing Director of Photo Art Centre (Zambia) Ltd and Photo Art International, developing his experience in photography, visual communication, business management and creative direction.
In 1984, Sunil brought this experience to the United Kingdom, where he helped establish ICAS Vilas Fine Art in Letchworth Garden City. As Creative Director, curator and artists’ agent, he has spent more than four decades developing the gallery, organising exhibitions and introducing collectors and visitors to a diverse range of British and international contemporary artists. His work has combined a passion for art with a strong belief in personal service, creative presentation and helping people develop a lasting appreciation of art.
Sunil’s contribution to Letchworth Garden City has extended well beyond the gallery. From December 1995 to September 2013, he served as a Governor and Trustee of the Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation, contributing to projects and initiatives covering arts and culture, education, health, community development and charitable causes. In this role, he helped support the ongoing development of the world’s first Garden City and its community.
In 2010, Sunil became a co-founder of the Inner Peace Centre (IPC), a non-profit educational charity created to support the local community through meditation, yoga, mindfulness and wellbeing programmes. His involvement reflects a long-standing interest in creating opportunities for people to improve their physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing in an accessible and welcoming environment.
Charitable work has also remained an important part of Sunil’s life. He has supported numerous fundraising initiatives and served on the fundraising committee for Garden House Hospice, helping raise more than £60,000 for its work supporting patients and families in the local community.
Throughout his career, Sunil has brought together the worlds of art, creativity, entrepreneurship, wellbeing and community service. Whether curating an exhibition, supporting artists, developing a new organisation, raising funds for charitable causes or encouraging people to discover meditation and yoga, his approach has remained centred on people, creativity and making a meaningful difference.
Today, Sunil continues to develop new ideas and projects while drawing on more than four decades of experience. His story reflects an enduring belief that art, culture, health & wellbeing and community can enrich lives, create connections and leave a positive legacy for future generations.
