The Art Dubai Group, the organization behind what is arguably the Gulf region’s most prominent commercial art fair, Art Dubai, has announced two senior appointments to newly created roles as part of its broader expansion strategy. Alexie Glass-Kantor has been appointed to a newly created position at Art Dubai Group, executive director, Curatorial, while Dunja Gottweis will assume the role of director of the Art Dubai fair. Both Gottweis and Glass Cantor have a great depth of experience in the global art fair stage, underscoring the organization’s ambition to solidify its influence in the region and expand its international reach.
“For 20 years the Art Dubai Group has championed cultural exchange and artistic dialogue, establishing itself as a cornerstone of the Gulf’s cultural landscape,” Glass-Kantor said in a statement. “I am excited to build on the organization’s ambitious projects, advocate for artists, and create pathways for global dialogue and connection.”
Glass-Kantor, who previously served as executive director of Artspace in Sydney, will oversee Art Dubai Group’s artistic strategy, focusing on partnerships and institution-building. Her prior curatorial includes organizing the Australian Pavilion at the 59th Venice Biennale and curating for Encounters at Art Basel Hong Kong from 2015 to 2025. She will spearhead year-round initiatives, supporting the region’s artistic programming and global exchanges. Her new role begins in April.
Dunja Gottweis, previously global head of gallery relations at Art Basel, brings extensive experience in international fair management. During her 12 years at Art Basel she played key roles in launching the fairs in both Hong Kong and Paris, and in 2022 joined the organizations management board. At Art Dubai, she will direct its flagship annual fair, which showcases galleries and artists from underrepresented regions. Gottweis will collaborate with the existing team, led by executive director Benedetta Ghione and artistic director Pablo del Val, ensuring a seamless transition for the 2026 edition of the fair, at which time she will take the reins.
Ben Floyd, CEO of Art Dubai Group, said the appointments are pivotal for Art Dubai’s long-term vision of growth and impact. When asked where he saw Art Dubai and the region in the next five years, Floyd told ARTnews that Dubai and the UAE have a “positive vision and plan for the future. So I believe people will continue to gravitate there and the region will continue to grow.” Art Dubai Group, he said, plans to be part of that growth, which will require new talent across their initiates.
