Biennale.com

The Biennale 100

The Curators Who Defined a Decade (2015—2025)

The contemporary art world's power structure has fundamentally shifted in the past decade. No longer defined solely by museums and galleries, today's art ecosystem is shaped by a network of curators who navigate between institutions, biennales, and independent projects with unprecedented fluidity.

This comprehensive guide presents the 100 curators whose exhibitions, writings, and institutional leadership have most profoundly influenced the international art discourse from 2015 to 2025. From the decolonial turn to digital futures, from ecological urgency to radical care, these are the voices that have redefined what exhibitions can do and be.

Visual Guide

Curatorial Focus

Institutional
Independent
Research-Based
Social Practice
Decolonial
Performance
Digital/Tech
Ecological
Queer
Diaspora

Region

Africa
Asia
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Oceania

Jump to Curator

Aaron Cezar

Active 2010s-2020s

Based in London, UK

Director, Delfina Foundation

Leads influential London residency program, crucial incubator for international curators and artists fostering cross-cultural dialogue.

Residencies International Exchange Platform Building
Delfina Foundation Leadership
International Residency Pioneer
Cross-Cultural Programs

Abdellah Karroum

b. 1970, Morocco

Based in Doha, Qatar

Director, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art

Pivotal figure in Arab contemporary art, leading key institutions and fostering MENA dialogue through groundbreaking exhibitions.

Arab Art Museum Building Regional Networks
Mathaf Director
L'appartement 22 Founder
Multiple Biennales

Adam Szymczyk

b. 1970, Poland

Based in Basel, Switzerland

Former Director, Kunsthalle Basel; Artistic Director, Documenta 14

Executed radical two-city Documenta 14 (Athens/Kassel), challenging Western art hegemony with new transnational model.

Institutional Critique Documenta Political Art
Documenta 14 (2017)
Kunsthalle Basel (2003-2014)
"Learning from Athens"

Adriano Pedrosa

b. 1965, Brazil

Based in São Paulo, Brazil

Artistic Director, MASP; Director, 60th Venice Biennale

First Latin American Venice director, championed Global South artists at unprecedented scale, fundamentally shifting representation.

Global South Queer Art Decolonization
2024 Venice Biennale Director
MASP Transformation
First Latin American Venice

Agustín Pérez Rubio

b. 1972, Spain

Based in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Independent Curator; Former Director, MALBA

Expert in Latin American art, curated Golden Lion-winning Chilean Pavilion (2015), transformed MALBA into leading voice.

Latin American Art Venice Biennale Museum Direction
Chilean Pavilion Golden Lion 2015
MALBA Artistic Director
11th Berlin Biennale

Andrea Lissoni

b. 1970, Italy

Based in Munich, Germany

Artistic Director, Haus der Kunst

Former Tate Modern Film curator, now leading major German institution with focus on live and time-based media.

Film & Video Performance Time-Based Media
Haus der Kunst Director
Tate Modern Film Pioneer
Major Performance Programs

Ann Temkin

b. 1959, USA

Based in New York, USA

Chief Curator of Painting and Sculpture, MoMA

Oversees world's most important modern art collection, led groundbreaking 2019 MoMA rehang rewriting modernism's narrative.

Modernism Collection Building Canon Formation
2019 MoMA Rehang
Major Retrospectives
Collection Transformation

Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung

b. 1977, Cameroon

Based in Berlin, Germany

Director, Haus der Kulturen der Welt

Leading voice in decolonial practice, SAVVY Contemporary founder, profoundly influenced European cultural discourse.

Decolonial Practice African Art Sound Art
HKW Director (2023-)
SAVVY Contemporary Founder
Documenta 14 Curator

Candice Hopkins

b. 1977, Canada

Based in New Mexico, USA

Executive Director, Forge Project

Leading voice for Indigenous art and sovereignty, central to rewriting North American art history through exhibitions.

Indigenous Art Sovereignty Documenta 14
Documenta 14 Co-curator
Forge Project Director
SITE Santa Fe

Catherine Wood

Active 2000s-2020s

Based in London, UK

Director of Programme, Tate Modern

Leading authority on performance art, key to integrating live art into Tate's core programming.

Performance Art Live Art Museum Innovation
Tate Performance Pioneer
BMW Tate Live
Major Acquisitions

Cecilia Alemani

b. 1977, Italy

Based in New York, USA

Director, High Line Art

Curated historic female-majority 2022 Venice Biennale, fundamentally shifting representation at world's most visible platform.

Gender Equity Public Art Venice Biennale
2022 Venice Biennale Director
High Line Art
Female-Majority Venice

Christine Tohme

b. 1964, Lebanon

Based in Beirut, Lebanon

Founding Director, Ashkal Alwan

Pioneer of multi-sited, research-based curating and foundational figure for Middle East arts infrastructure.

Ashkal Alwan Sharjah Biennial Research-Based
Sharjah Biennial 13 Curator
Ashkal Alwan Founder
Home Works Forum

Christine Y. Kim

Active 2010s-2020s

Based in Los Angeles, USA

Curator of Contemporary Art, LACMA

Co-curator of 2017 Whitney Biennial and key curatorial voice at LACMA for Asian American art.

Asian American Art Whitney Biennial Contemporary Art
2017 Whitney Biennial
LACMA Programs
Major Exhibitions

Christopher Y. Lew

Active 2010s-2020s

Based in New York, USA

Artistic Director, Horizon Art Foundation

Co-curator of pivotal 2017 Whitney Biennial, respected voice on emerging art.

Emerging Art Whitney Biennial Contemporary
2017 Whitney Biennial
Horizon Art Foundation
Whitney Museum

Clara Kim

Active 2010s-2020s

Based in Los Angeles, USA

Chief Curator, MOCA Los Angeles

Senior curatorial voice at major institutions from Tate Modern to MOCA.

Contemporary Art Museum Leadership Major Exhibitions
MOCA Chief Curator
Tate Modern Experience
Major Shows

Cosmin Costinaș

b. 1983, Romania

Based in Hong Kong

Director, Para Site; Co-curator, Biennale of Sydney 2024

Dynamic curator championing artists from underrepresented regions at Para Site and international biennials.

Para Site Asian Art Biennale of Sydney
Para Site Director
2024 Sydney Biennale
Kathmandu Triennale

Cuauhtémoc Medina

b. 1965, Mexico

Based in Mexico City, Mexico

Chief Curator, MUAC, Mexico City

Leading art critic and curator in Latin America, known for sharp intellect and politically engaged exhibitions.

Latin American Art Art Criticism Political Art
MUAC Chief Curator
Manifesta 9
Critical Writing

Defne Ayas

b. 1976, Turkey

Based in Berlin, Germany

Independent Curator

Veteran curator of multiple biennials, known for intellectually adventurous and geopolitically aware projects.

Gwangju Biennale Shanghai Biennale V-A-C Foundation
13th Gwangju Biennale
V-A-C Foundation
Witte de With

Diana Nawi

Active 2010s-2020s

Based in New Orleans, USA

Independent Curator

Co-curator of Prospect.4, thoughtful voice on contemporary art in the Americas.

Prospect New Orleans American Art Site-Specific
Prospect.4 Co-curator
Independent Projects
Critical Writing

Dirk Snauwaert

b. 1961, Belgium

Based in Brussels, Belgium

Director, WIELS, Brussels

Heads one of Europe's most significant contemporary art centers, known for its dynamic exhibition program and residency opportunities.

Institutional Leadership Residency Programs WIELS
WIELS Director
Residency Pioneer
Documenta X Team

Elmgreen & Dragset

Founded 1995

Based in Berlin and London

Artist Duo; Curators, 15th Istanbul Biennial

Their 2017 Istanbul Biennial was poignant model of responding to tense political climate with nuance.

Istanbul Biennial Queer Art Installation
2017 Istanbul Biennial
Major Installations
Artist-Curators

Eugene Tan

Active 2010s-2020s

Based in Singapore

Director, National Gallery Singapore and Singapore Art Museum

Oversees two key Southeast Asian institutions, shaping region's art historical narrative.

Southeast Asian Art Museum Direction Regional History
National Gallery Singapore
Singapore Art Museum
Major Collections

Eungie Joo

b. 1966, South Korea

Based in San Francisco, USA

Curator of Contemporary Art, SFMOMA

Sharp eye and global perspective, curated 2012 New Museum Triennial and Sharjah Biennial 12.

Sharjah Biennial New Museum Triennial Global Art
Sharjah Biennial 12
2012 New Museum Triennial
SFMOMA Programs

Franklin Sirmans

b. 1969, USA

Based in Miami, USA

Director, Pérez Art Museum Miami

Positioned PAMM as vital hub for art of the Americas and African diaspora.

African Diaspora Art of Americas Museum Leadership
PAMM Director
Prospect.3 Curator
LACMA Programs

Fumio Nanjo

b. 1949, Japan

Based in Tokyo, Japan

Former Director, Mori Art Museum

Led one of Asia's most important contemporary art museums, shaping Japanese-international dialogue.

Japanese Art Asian Art Museum Building
Mori Art Museum
Multiple Biennales
Asian Art Pioneer

Gabriel Pérez-Barreiro

b. 1970, Spain

Based in New York, USA

Senior Advisor, Colección Patricia Phelps de Cisneros

Curated 33rd São Paulo Bienal with radical artist-curated model challenging traditional authority.

São Paulo Bienal Latin American Art Artist-Curators
33rd São Paulo Bienal
Cisneros Collection
Curatorial Innovation

Gabi Ngcobo

b. 1974, South Africa

Based in Johannesburg, South Africa

Curator and Educator

Her collaborative 2018 Berlin Biennale offered powerful alternative to Western-centric models.

Berlin Biennale Decolonial Practice Collaboration
10th Berlin Biennale
32nd São Paulo Bienal
CHR Co-founder

Hans Ulrich Obrist

b. 1968, Switzerland

Based in London, UK

Artistic Director, Serpentine Galleries

Curatorial superstar whose Marathon interviews and Do It project made him central node in global art network.

Marathon Events Interview Project Global Networks
Serpentine Artistic Director
Do It Project
3000+ Interviews

Hoor Al Qasimi

b. 1980, UAE

Based in Sharjah, UAE

President and Director, Sharjah Art Foundation

Transformed Sharjah into vital global center for art, providing critical platform for MENASA artists.

Institution Building Sharjah Biennial Arab Art
Sharjah Art Foundation
IBA President
UAE Pavilion

Hou Hanru

b. 1963, China

Based in Rome, Italy

Former Artistic Director, MAXXI

Pioneering independent curator, central figure in globalizing art world since 1990s.

Chinese Art Global Curator MAXXI
MAXXI Director
Multiple Biennales
Cities on the Move

Inti Guerrero

b. 1983, Colombia

Based in Manila, Philippines

Artistic Director, Bellas Artes Projects

Well-respected curator bridging Asian and Latin American art, co-curator Sydney Biennale 2024.

Asian-Latin Bridge Sydney Biennale Transnational
2024 Sydney Biennale
Bellas Artes Manila
Hong Kong Programs

İpek Yeğinsu

Active 2020s

Based in Istanbul, Turkey

Curator, 18th Istanbul Biennial (2025)

Appointed to lead upcoming Istanbul Biennial, representing new generation of curatorial talent.

Istanbul Biennial Emerging Curator Contemporary Art
18th Istanbul Biennial
Rising Voice
New Generation

Iwona Blazwick

b. 1955, UK

Based in London, UK

Former Director, Whitechapel Gallery

Hugely respected figure who led major London institution for two decades, championing female artists.

Whitechapel Gallery Female Artists Global Perspectives
Whitechapel Director
2024 AlUla Arts Festival
Tate Modern Founding

Jane Panetta

Active 2010s-2020s

Based in New York, USA

Director, FLAG Art Foundation

Co-curator of 2019 Whitney Biennial, central to navigating major institutional crisis.

Whitney Biennial Contemporary Art Crisis Management
2019 Whitney Biennial
FLAG Foundation
Major Exhibitions

Jeebesh Bagchi (Raqs)

b. 1965, India

Based in New Delhi, India

Artist Collective Member

Part of Raqs Media Collective, blending art, theory, and curation influencing generation of artist-thinkers.

Raqs Collective Shanghai Biennale Theory-Practice
11th Shanghai Biennale
Raqs Co-founder
Manifesta 7

Jessica Morgan

b. 1968, UK

Based in New York, USA

Director, Dia Art Foundation

Leads one of world's most important institutions for land art, minimalism, and post-minimalism.

Land Art Minimalism Dia Beacon
Dia Art Foundation
Former Tate Curator
Gwangju Biennale

Jochen Volz

b. 1971, Germany

Based in São Paulo, Brazil

General Director, Pinacoteca de São Paulo

His 2016 São Paulo Bienal was landmark exhibition prioritizing ecological and cosmological perspectives.

São Paulo Bienal Ecological Art Pinacoteca
32nd São Paulo Bienal
Pinacoteca Director
Liverpool Biennial

José Roca

b. 1962, Colombia

Based in Bogotá, Colombia

Artistic Director, FLORA ars+natura

Major figure in Latin American art, focus on intersection of art and nature highly influential.

Art & Nature Latin American Art FLORA
FLORA ars+natura
2021 Estuaire Nantes
São Paulo Bienal

Julieta González

b. 1981, Venezuela

Based in Madrid, Spain

Independent Curator

Leading curator of Latin American art, exhibitions known for deep historical research and rigor.

Latin American Art Historical Research Museo Jumex
Former Museo Jumex Director
Tate Research
Major Publications

Khanyisile Mbongwa

b. 1982, South Africa

Based in Cape Town, South Africa

Curator, Liverpool Biennial 2023

Her Liverpool Biennial focusing on colonialism and extraction was critically lauded as major rising voice.

Liverpool Biennial Decolonial Practice Extraction
Liverpool Biennial 2023
Rising Star
Critical Acclaim

Klaus Biesenbach

b. 1966, Germany

Based in Berlin, Germany

Director, Neue Nationalgalerie

Hugely influential figure at MoMA PS1 and MOCA, known for championing performance art.

Performance Art MoMA PS1 Marina Abramović
Neue Nationalgalerie
Former MOCA Director
PS1 Founder

Koyo Kouoh

b. 1967, Cameroon

Based in Cape Town, South Africa

Executive Director and Chief Curator, Zeitz MOCAA

Tireless advocate for African artists, leadership at RAW Material Company and Zeitz MOCAA shaping continent's landscape.

African Art Institution Building RAW Material
Zeitz MOCAA Director
RAW Material Founder
Documenta 14

Lars Nittve

b. 1953, Sweden

Based in Stockholm, Sweden

Former Director, M+, Hong Kong

Founding director of M+, laid institutional and intellectual groundwork for global powerhouse.

M+ Museum Institution Building Asian Art
M+ Founding Director
Moderna Museet
Tate Modern

Lucia Pietroiusti

b. 1985, UK

Based in London, UK

Curator, Serpentine Galleries

Pioneer in ecological thinking, curated Golden Lion-winning Lithuanian Pavilion (Sun & Sea) 2019.

Ecological Art Interspecies Venice Golden Lion
Sun & Sea (2019)
Serpentine Programs
Ecological Pioneer

Madeleine Grynsztejn

b. 1958, Canada

Based in Chicago, USA

Director, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

Visionary leader pushing for audience-engaged, socially-conscious programming at major American museum.

Museum Leadership Social Engagement Contemporary Art
MCA Chicago Director
SFMOMA Programs
Major Exhibitions

Mami Kataoka

b. 1965, Japan

Based in Tokyo, Japan

Director, Mori Art Museum; President, CIMAM

As Mori director and CIMAM president, she is a global leader in contemporary art.

Mori Art Museum CIMAM President Global Leadership
Mori Art Museum
CIMAM President
Sydney Biennale

Manuel Borja-Villel

b. 1957, Spain

Based in Madrid, Spain

Former Director, Museo Reina Sofía

Led the Reina Sofía for 15 years, radically re-installing the collection to reflect decolonial and transnational narratives.

Decolonial Museum Reina Sofía Institutional Critique
Museo Reina Sofía Director
Collection Rehang
Influential Essayist

Maria Lind

b. 1966, Sweden

Based in Stockholm, Sweden

Writer and Curator; former Director, Tensta Konsthall

A highly respected thinker known for her writing on curatorial practice and her artist-centric institutional models.

Curatorial Theory Tensta Konsthall Gwangju Biennale
Gwangju Biennale Director
Tensta Konsthall
Curatorial Writing

Mark Godfrey

b. 1973, UK

Based in London, UK

Independent Curator; formerly Senior Curator, Tate Modern

An acclaimed curator and scholar, his very public resignation from the Tate in 2021 sparked a major debate on institutional ethics and curatorial freedom.

Curatorial Ethics Tate Modern Exhibition History
Tate Modern Senior Curator
Major Publications
Institutional Critique

Massimiliano Gioni

b. 1973, Italy

Based in New York, USA

Artistic Director, New Museum

His curatorial work (including the 2013 Venice Biennale) and leadership at the New Museum continue to define the "downtown" cutting edge of the art world.

New Museum Venice Biennale Emerging Art
2013 Venice Biennale Director
New Museum Artistic Director
Pioneer of New Media

Michelle Kuo

b. 1977, USA

Based in New York, USA

The Marlene Hess Curator of Painting and Sculpture, MoMA

As a top curator at MoMA and former Editor-in-Chief of Artforum, she holds immense intellectual and institutional power.

Art Theory MoMA Artforum
MoMA Curator
Artforum Editor-in-Chief
Critical Writings

Monica Narula (Raqs)

b. 1969, India

Based in New Delhi, India

Artist Collective Member

A key member of the influential collective whose curatorial projects are as significant as their artworks.

Raqs Collective Artist-Curator Theory-Practice
11th Shanghai Biennale
Raqs Co-founder
Major Exhibitions

Marie-Cécile Zinsou

b. 1982, France

Based in Cotonou, Benin

President, Zinsou Foundation, Benin

A cultural entrepreneur who has created essential arts infrastructure in West Africa, she co-curated the Benin pavilion at the 2024 Venice Biennale.

Benin Art Institution Building Venice Biennale
Zinsou Foundation Founder
Venice Biennale 2024 Pavilion
Cultural Entrepreneur

Mika Yoshitake

b. 1978, USA

Based in Los Angeles, USA

Independent Curator

Known for her expertise in postwar Japanese art, she curated the acclaimed exhibition "Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors" which was a global phenomenon.

Japanese Art Yayoi Kusama Global Exhibitions
"Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors"
J. Paul Getty Museum
Independent Projects

Naima J. Keith

b. 1981, USA

Based in Los Angeles, USA

Vice President of Education and Public Programs, LACMA

Co-curator of Prospect.4 New Orleans and a key figure in major US institutions.

African American Art Museum Education Prospect New Orleans
Prospect.4 Co-curator
The Studio Museum in Harlem
MOCA, Los Angeles

Naomi Beckwith

b. 1976, USA

Based in New York, USA

Deputy Director and Chief Curator, Guggenheim Museum

A major intellectual force now in a top role at a leading global institution, shaping its collection and exhibition strategy.

Institutional Leadership Contemporary Art Guggenheim
Guggenheim Deputy Director
MCA Chicago Senior Curator
Whitney Biennial

Natasha Ginwala

b. 1980, India

Based in Berlin, Germany

Curator, Martin-Gropius-Bau; Co-curator, 13th Gwangju Biennale

A key contemporary voice whose work often explores concepts of memory, territory, and the archive.

Gwangju Biennale Decolonial Practice Art & Memory
13th Gwangju Biennale
Documenta 14 Curator
Martin-Gropius-Bau

Nana Oforiatta Ayim

b. 1978, Germany

Based in Accra, Ghana

Director, ANO Institute of Arts and Knowledge, Ghana

A leading figure in contemporary African art who served as curator for Ghana's inaugural pavilion at the 2019 Venice Biennale and again in 2022.

African Art Ghana Pavilion Institutional Building
Ghana Venice Pavilion Curator
ANO Institute Founder
Decolonial Practice

Nicholas Cullinan

b. 1974, UK

Based in London, UK

Director, The National Portrait Gallery, London

His leadership at a major London institution and his role as a former curator at MoMA and the Met marks him as a key figure in institutional management.

Museum Direction Modern & Contemporary London
National Portrait Gallery Director
Former Met & MoMA Curator
Collection Development

Okwui Enwezor (1963-2019)

1963-2019, Nigeria

Formerly based in Munich, Germany

Former Director, Haus der Kunst; Director, 56th Venice Biennale

His 2015 Venice Biennale set the decade's agenda for politically-engaged, post-colonial curating on a mass scale.

Post-Colonial Theory Documenta 11 Venice Biennale
2015 Venice Biennale Director
Documenta 11 Director
Haus der Kunst Director

Olabisi Silva (1962-2019)

1962-2019, Nigeria

Formerly based in Lagos, Nigeria

Founder, Centre for Contemporary Art, Lagos (CCA)

A foundational figure whose work at CCA, Lagos created a critical hub for art in Nigeria and whose legacy continues to inspire curators across Africa.

African Art CCA Lagos Institutional Building
CCA, Lagos Founder
São Paulo Bienal Co-curator
Foundational Figure

Omar Kholeif

b. 1978, Egypt

Based in Sharjah, UAE

Director of Collections and Senior Curator, Sharjah Art Foundation

A prolific curator and writer focusing on art, technology, and geopolitics.

Sharjah Art Foundation Digital Art Geopolitics
Sharjah Art Foundation
Hayward Gallery
Major Publications

Ory Dessau

Active 2010s-2020s

Based in Brussels, Belgium

Independent Curator

Co-curator of the German Pavilion (Golden Lion winner 2024), lauded for its complex, multi-layered approach to history and identity.

Venice Biennale German Pavilion Golden Lion
Venice Golden Lion 2024
Critical Acclaim
Independent Practice

Olga Viso

b. 1961, Cuba

Based in Minneapolis, USA

Curator; Former Director, Walker Art Center

Known for her forward-thinking leadership at the Walker, she has been a key voice for contemporary art in the United States for decades.

Museum Direction Walker Art Center Latin American Art
Walker Art Center Director
Hirshhorn Museum
Latin American Art Exhibitions

Pablo León de la Barra

b. 1979, Mexico

Based in Mexico City, Mexico

Curator at Large, Latin America, Guggenheim Museum

A critical voice in integrating Latin American artists into global institutional collections and conversations.

Latin American Art Guggenheim Transnational Art
Guggenheim Curator at Large
MASP, São Paulo
Latin American Art Pioneer

Paul B. Preciado

b. 1970, Spain

Based in Paris, France

Philosopher and Curator

His philosophical work on gender and technology, and his curation for Documenta 14, has brought critical theory directly into the exhibition space.

Queer Theory Documenta 14 Philosophy
Documenta 14 Team
Critical Theorist
Influential Publications

Pilar Tompkins Rivas

Active 2010s-2020s

Based in Los Angeles, USA

Chief Curator, Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

Leading the curatorial vision for one of the most anticipated new museums in the world.

Museum Direction Latin American Art Lucas Museum
Lucas Museum Chief Curator
Vincent Price Art Museum
LA-Based Curatorial Work

Philippe Pirotte

b. 1962, Belgium

Based in Frankfurt, Germany

Curator and Art Critic; Rector, Städelschule, Frankfurt

A highly respected figure in art education and exhibition-making, known for his curatorial work at the 2017 Myanmar Biennale.

Art Education Myanmar Biennale Institutional Leadership
Städelschule Rector
Major International Exhibitions
Curatorial Education

Qu Chang

b. 1980s, China

Based in Shanghai, China

Curator and Writer; Senior Curator, Rockbund Art Museum, Shanghai

A rising voice in Asian contemporary art, known for her rigorous, research-driven exhibitions.

Contemporary Art Chinese Art Research-Based
Rockbund Art Museum
Emerging Voice
Curatorial Innovation

Ralph Rugoff

b. 1957, USA

Based in London, UK

Director, Hayward Gallery, London; Director, 58th Venice Biennale

His conceptually rigorous 2019 Venice Biennale masterfully addressed the "post-truth" era.

Venice Biennale Hayward Gallery Art & Politics
2019 Venice Biennale Director
Hayward Gallery Director
Exhibition Innovation

Reem Fadda

b. 1974, Kuwait

Based in Abu Dhabi, UAE

Director, Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi

A key curator in the Middle East, she curated the first UAE Pavilion in Venice and has held senior roles at the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi UAE Pavilion Middle Eastern Art
Cultural Foundation Director
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
Venice Biennale Curator

ruangrupa

Founded 2000, Indonesia

Based in Jakarta, Indonesia

Indonesian Artist Collective; Artistic Directors, Documenta fifteen

Introduced the radical collectivist model of lumbung, forcing a global debate on curatorial authorship, process, and responsibility.

Artist Collective Documenta Lumbung
Documenta fifteen Artistic Directors
International Collaborations
Curatorial Innovation

Rujeko Hockley

b. 1979, Zimbabwe

Based in New York, USA

Arnhold Associate Curator, Whitney Museum of American Art

Co-curator of the protest-defined 2019 Whitney Biennial and a key voice shaping the next generation of American art.

Whitney Biennial African American Art Contemporary Art
2019 Whitney Biennial
Brooklyn Museum
Emerging Curator

Russell Storer

b. 1968, Australia

Based in Singapore

Head of Curatorial and Collections, National Gallery Singapore

A highly respected curator of Asian and Pacific art who has been central to shaping the narrative at one of the region's most important institutions.

Southeast Asian Art Regional History National Gallery Singapore
National Gallery Singapore
Queensland Art Gallery
Asia Pacific Triennial

Sally Tallant

b. 1961, UK

Based in New York, USA

President and Executive Director, Queens Museum

Former Director of the Liverpool Biennial, now leading a key socially-engaged museum in New York.

Liverpool Biennial Social Practice Queens Museum
Queens Museum Director
Liverpool Biennial Director
Socially-Engaged Art

Sam Bardaouil & Till Fellrath

Active 2010s-2020s

Based in Berlin, Germany

Directors, Hamburger Bahnhof; Curators, 16th Lyon Biennale

As a curatorial duo, they have led multiple biennials and now a major Berlin institution, known for their pan-Arab and transnational research.

Curatorial Duo Lyon Biennale Arab Art
Hamburger Bahnhof Directors
16th Lyon Biennale
Major Research Exhibitions

Shabbir Hussain Mustafa

b. 1978, Singapore

Based in Singapore

Senior Curator, National Gallery Singapore

A central figure in the curation of "Siapa Nama Kamu?," the seminal permanent exhibition charting the history of Singaporean art.

Southeast Asian Art Museum History National Gallery Singapore
"Siapa Nama Kamu?" Exhibition
Singapore Biennale
Curatorial Research

Shuddhabrata Sengupta (Raqs)

b. 1968, India

Based in New Delhi, India

Artist Collective Member

The third member of Raqs, whose collective practice has redefined what it means to be an artist and curator today.

Raqs Collective Artist-Curator Theory-Practice
11th Shanghai Biennale
Raqs Co-founder
Major Exhibitions

Sofía Hernández Chong Cuy

b. 1975, Mexico

Based in Mexico City, Mexico

Former Director, Witte de With (now Kunstinstituut Melly)

A thoughtful and respected curator who led a major European institution through a critical renaming process and curated the 9th Mercosul Biennial.

Witte de With Institutional Critique Mercosul Biennial
Witte de With Director
9th Mercosul Biennial
Institutional Renaming

Soledad Gutiérrez

b. 1978, Spain

Based in New York, USA

Curator, 2024 Carnegie International

Her selection to lead the prestigious Carnegie International signals her rising influence in the Americas and beyond.

Carnegie International Emerging Voice International Exhibitions
Carnegie International Curator
Museo Jumex
Rising Influence

Stephanie Rosenthal

b. 1965, Germany

Based in Abu Dhabi, UAE

Director, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi

Former Director of the Martin-Gropius-Bau, now heading one of the world's most ambitious museum projects.

Museum Direction Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Performance Art
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Director
Martin-Gropius-Bau Director
Hayward Gallery Curator

Stuart Comer

b. 1968, USA

Based in New York, USA

The Lonti Ebers Chief Curator of Media and Performance, MoMA

Has redefined how a major museum collects and displays time-based media, performance, and film.

Performance Art Media Art MoMA
MoMA Media Curator
Tate Modern Film Curator
Pioneer in Time-Based Media

Suhanya Raffel

b. 1959, Sri Lanka

Based in Hong Kong

Director, M+, Hong Kong

Has overseen the launch of one of the world's most significant new museums, defining a new center of gravity for global culture.

M+ Museum Institutional Building Asian Art
M+ Founding Director
Queensland Art Gallery
National Gallery of Australia

Sunjung Kim

Active 1990s-2020s

Based in Seoul, South Korea

Director, Art Sonje Center, Seoul

A major figure in the Korean art world who has led the Gwangju Biennale and is a key institutional builder.

Gwangju Biennale Art Sonje Center Korean Art
Gwangju Biennale President
Art Sonje Center Director
Major Curatorial Influence

Suzanne Cotter

b. 1964, Australia

Based in Sydney, Australia

Director, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA)

A museum leader with international experience who now heads a major institution in the Asia-Pacific region.

Museum Direction MCA Australia Asia-Pacific Art
MCA Australia Director
Serpentine Galleries
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi

Thelma Golden

b. 1965, USA

Based in New York, USA

Director and Chief Curator, The Studio Museum in Harlem

A foundational figure in championing artists of African descent; her institutional leadership and coining of the term "post-blackness" have shaped generations.

African American Art Studio Museum Post-blackness
Studio Museum Director
Foundational Exhibitions
Pioneering Influence

Thomas J. Lax

b. 1980s, USA

Based in New York, USA

Curator of Media and Performance, MoMA

A key figure in MoMA's performance and media department, known for his work on Black and queer performance.

Performance Art Queer Theory MoMA
MoMA Media & Performance
Tate Modern Guest Curator
Queer Performance Exhibitions

Touria El Glaoui

b. 1974, Morocco

Based in London, UK

Founding Director, 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair

While a fair director, she has created the single most important international platform for galleries from Africa and the diaspora, profoundly shaping the market and careers.

Art Fairs African Art Art Market
1-54 Founder
Global Art Market Influencer
African Diaspora Platform

Ute Meta Bauer

b. 1958, Germany

Based in Singapore

Founding Director, NTU CCA Singapore

A veteran curator and academic who has been a major force in shaping the contemporary art landscape of Southeast Asia.

Art Education CCA Singapore Southeast Asian Art
NTU CCA Founder
Documenta 11 Co-curator
Venice Biennale German Pavilion

Udo Kittelmann

b. 1958, Germany

Based in Berlin, Germany

Curator; former Director, Nationalgalerie, Berlin

Led Berlin's National Gallery for over a decade, overseeing major institutional change and influential exhibitions.

Museum Direction Nationalgalerie Berlin Contemporary Art
Nationalgalerie Director
Frankfurt Museum of Modern Art
Influential Programs

Valerie Cassel Oliver

Active 1990s-2020s

Based in Richmond, USA

Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

A trailblazing curator who has organized foundational exhibitions of major African American artists like Howardena Pindell and Theaster Gates.

African American Art Contemporary Art VMFA
Foundational Exhibitions
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
Whitney Museum

Vasif Kortun

b. 1957, Turkey

Based in Istanbul, Turkey

Curator and Writer; former Director, SALT, Istanbul

A foundational figure in Turkey's contemporary art scene, his work at SALT created a new model for a research-based institution.

Turkish Art SALT Istanbul Research-Based
SALT, Istanbul Director
Istanbul Biennial
Institutional Building

Vincent Honoré

b. 1974, France

Based in Montpellier, France

Director of Exhibitions and Programmes, MO.CO. Montpellier

An independent-minded curator who has championed emerging artists and queer perspectives, formerly at the Hayward and David Roberts Art Foundation.

Queer Theory Hayward Gallery Emerging Artists
MO.CO. Director
David Roberts Art Foundation
Emerging Curator

Victoria Siddall

b. 1976, UK

Based in London, UK

Co-founder, Gallery Climate Coalition; former Director, Frieze Fairs

As a former director of Frieze, she was a central figure in the global art market, and now leads the charge for climate action in the arts.

Art Market Frieze Art Fair Climate Action
Gallery Climate Coalition Founder
Frieze Fairs Director
Art & Sustainability

Wayne Modest

b. 1960s, Suriname

Based in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Head of Research Center for Material Culture, Netherlands

A leading thinker on decolonial museology and restitution, his work is profoundly influencing how museums in Europe address colonial legacies.

Decolonial Museology Restitution Cultural Heritage
Research Center Head
Institutional Advisor
Decolonial Theory

Wassan Al-Khudhairi

b. 1978, Iraq

Based in St. Louis, USA

Chief Curator, Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis

An influential curator of international contemporary art, with a focus on the Middle East, she has led multiple biennials and exhibitions in the region.

Middle Eastern Art Institutional Leadership Biennale Curator
CAM St. Louis Chief Curator
Doha Museum of Islamic Art
Kuwait Pavilion, Venice

Yuko Hasegawa

b. 1957, Japan

Based in Kanazawa, Japan

Director, 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa

A major figure in Japanese and international contemporary art for decades, known for exhibitions that bridge art, architecture, and design.

Japanese Art Istanbul Biennial Curatorial Theory
Istanbul Biennial Director
21st Century Museum Kanazawa
Major Global Exhibitions

Yael Lipschutz

Active 2010s-2020s

Based in London, UK

Independent Curator and Scholar

Her work on queer theory and performance has been highly influential in curating exhibitions that challenge conventional art historical narratives.

Queer Theory Performance Art Art History
Major Publications
International Exhibitions
Rising Voice

Zoé Whitley

b. 1979, UK

Based in London, UK

Director, Chisenhale Gallery

A dynamic curator who led the acclaimed British Pavilion at the 2019 Venice Biennale and now directs a key London gallery.

British Art Venice Biennale Chisenhale Gallery
Chisenhale Director
2019 Venice British Pavilion
Tate Modern Curator

Zoe Butt

b. 1978, Australia

Based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Curator and writer specializing in Southeast Asian art

A vital advocate and thinker who built critical arts infrastructure as Artistic Director of The Factory in Ho Chi Minh City.

Southeast Asian Art The Factory Institutional Building
The Factory, Ho Chi Minh
Sovereign Art Foundation
Regional Advocate