Behind MIO
A note from the founder
I've always loved exploring new places, meeting interesting people, and finding those little things that make a city special.
Growing up in France, I was lucky enough to be surrounded by art, culture, and events. Working as an antique dealer and running my own events agency meant I had a foot in both worlds. Over time, I became familiar with the people and places shaping the cultural scene, often hearing about exhibitions and gatherings through personal connections.
Then I moved to Southeast Asia, and suddenly, I was starting from scratch. I had to build a new network, find my way into unfamiliar circles, and slowly make a place for myself. Even as I settled in, I kept learning about gallery openings, performances, and cultural events that had taken place right under my nose.
It made me realise how much we can miss simply because we don't know the right people.
So much is happening around us, yet unless you're part of certain circles, following the right accounts, or subscribed to countless mailing lists, you may never hear about it. And I kept thinking:
Why should discovering culture depend so much on who you know?
I wanted to create a place where anyone could explore the cultural life around them without spending hours searching, while giving artists, galleries, and cultural spaces a way to reach audiences who might genuinely appreciate their work.
That's where MIO began.
I want MIO to go beyond discovery, bringing together people who share a genuine curiosity about culture and building a community where meaningful encounters can lead to experiences that might not otherwise be possible.
A place where cultural partners can open their doors in new ways, create something special for our members, and connect with an audience that truly values what they have to offer.
Sometimes, knowing what's on is only the beginning. It's the people you meet, the doors that open, and the experiences you share that make it memorable.
Alexandra LebrandFounder, MIO
Our cultural partners
The people who make it happen.
Behind every exhibition, performance or cultural gathering are people who have spent months, sometimes years, bringing an idea to life.
Artists, gallery owners, curators, festival organisers, independent creatives, and cultural institutions all play a part in shaping the cultural life of our cities.
At MIO, we believe their work deserves to be seen, shared and experienced.
Some bring us closer to what's happening in their world. Others collaborate with us to create something unexpected: a conversation with an artist, a private visit, or an encounter that offers a different perspective on the creative process.
What matters to us is not simply access, but the opportunity to connect with the people, ideas, and stories behind each experience.
Culture becomes even more meaningful when it is shared.
Creating something worth sharing?
Become a MIO Cultural PartnerThe MIO voices
“Different eyes. Different stories.”
No one knows a city quite like the people who live in it.
The photographer who knows a gallery tucked away on a quiet street.
The writer following a new generation of artists.
The creative who comes across an exhibition that deserves a wider audience.
These are the perspectives we want to bring together at MIO.
Our contributors help us look beyond the familiar names and well-publicised events. Through their own interests, connections and experiences, they introduce us to the people, places and ideas that give each city its character.
Discovering a city isn't just about knowing what's on.It's about understanding what makes it interesting.
Powered by technology.
Even the most curious people can't be everywhere at once. MIO uses technology to explore cultural events across multiple sources, bringing more of what's happening into view. Finding an event is only the beginning. Understanding what makes it interesting requires something more.
Guided by people.
That's where our editorial approach comes in. We look beyond the listing to consider what makes an event distinctive, relevant, and worth discovering. Technology expands what we can find. Human judgement shapes what we share.
Have a story worth sharing?
Become a MIO ContributorThe people behind MIO
Behind MIO is a small circle of people, each bringing their own expertise to a shared vision.
Digital Frequency | Turning ideas into digital experiences.
Maison Daze | Bringing MIO's voice and vision to a wider audience.
