“There’s always talk about whether fairs are becoming redundant, or whether there are too many. I think, the counter to that, is that they create this incredible amassing of people who love art, are committed to art, passionate about it, from all the different fields- whether it's the museums or the collectors or the galleries or the writers, the journalists- everyone comes together for a collective moment.”   

In this month’s episode of The Bigger Picture, we speak to Dyala Nusseibeh, Director of Abu Dhabi Art, on the developing nature and role of international art fairs. 

‍

From the early influences of her family’s art collection, to studying anthropology and her early career at the Saatchi Gallery, our conversation explores the balance between commercial and public objectives, the overriding importance of engaging communities and grassroots organisations, as well as the changing tastes and priorities of collectors.

‍

You can listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or subscribe to The Bigger Picture wherever you get your podcasts.

‍

About the guest:

‍

Dyala Nusseibeh has been the Director of Abu Dhabi Art since 2016. She began her career at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi followed by the Saatchi Gallery in London. In 2013, Nusseibeh became Founding Director of ArtInternational Istanbul, managed by leading fair organisers Angus Montgomery, a position she held until 2016 when she joined the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. She is currently undertaking a part-time PhD at Cambridge University.

‍