Bridget Finn, the new Art Basel Miami Beach director.  Photo: by Nick Hagen.

Bridget Finn has the task of using her extensive experience, vision, and knowledge of the gallery system to elevate the Art Basel Miami Beach show.

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

Art Basel, the preeminent art fair in the Western Hemisphere, has named Bridget Finn as the director of its highly anticipated Miami Beach show. This momentous announcement ushers in a new era of vision and guidance for one of the art world’s most esteemed gatherings. Finn, previously a partner at the esteemed Reyes Finn Gallery in Detroit, steps into this role following the closure of her gallery. With a remarkable track record in the art industry, she stands ready to elevate Art Basel Miami Beach to unprecedented heights.

Bridget Finn, co-founder of Reyes Finn, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new position as the director of Art Basel Miami Beach. Her involvement in the art world spans various roles and collaborations, solidifying her reputation as a visionary leader.

Her experiences in notable galleries and curatorial projects have shaped Finn’s journey in the art industry. Before establishing Reyes Finn in 2017, she worked at Mitchell-Innes & Nash and Anton Kern Gallery, both located in New York City. Her tenure at these prestigious institutions allowed her to develop a strong foundation in art curation and management.

Contributions and Collaborations

In 2020, Finn co-founded Art Mile Detroit, an exhibition platform that showcases the city’s vibrant art scene. This initiative highlights the diverse talents of Detroit’s artists and contributes to the cultural growth of the city. Additionally, she co-founded Cleopatra’s, a collaborative curatorial project space that operated in both New York and Berlin from 2008 to 2018. Finn’s involvement in these ventures demonstrates her commitment to fostering artistic dialogue and supporting emerging artists.

Her active participation in various organizations further underscores Finn’s dedication to the art world. She is a board member of Independent Curators International and actively participates in the advisory committee of the Progressive Art Studio Collective. These affiliations showcase her commitment to fostering artistic communities and pushing the boundaries of contemporary art.

Art Basel’s Confidence in Bridget Finn

Art Basel’s decision to appoint Bridget Finn as the director of its Miami Beach show reflects their confidence in her vision and capabilities. Noah Horowitz, Art Basel’s chief executive, expressed his excitement about Finn’s appointment and the impact she will have on the Miami Beach fair. He praised her vision, ambition, and the skill set she brings to the table. Horowitz noted that Finn’s extensive background in the art industry, a keen eye for exceptional artwork, and a deep understanding of the market will serve Basel Miami well. Above all, he said Finn’s ability to navigate the complex art world will undoubtedly drive Art Basel Miami Beach forward.

The Art Basel team firmly believes that Finn is the perfect fit to lead the Miami Beach fair. Her passion for the arts, combined with her leadership qualities, positions her as an ideal choice to guide the event. Finn’s appointment signifies Art Basel’s commitment to delivering an outstanding experience to visitors, galleries, and partners.

Bridget Finn will assume the role of director for the 22nd edition of Art Basel Miami Beach in 2024. This significant change aligns with Art Basel’s fresh leadership approach, where a dedicated director heads each of its four fairs: Basel, Miami Beach, Hong Kong, and Paris. Finn’s appointment signifies a new era for the Miami Beach show, bringing forth a promising and thrilling future.

Bridget Finn: A New Era

Finn’s recent appointment marks the latest development in the restructuring of Art Basel’s leadership. This shakeup also includes the introduction of other notable directors, such as Maike Cruse, who now oversees Art Basel in Basel, the flagship fair in the company’s Swiss home base. Additionally, Clément Delépine leads Paris+ par Art Basel, while Angelle Siyang-Le assumes the role of director for Art Basel in Hong Kong. Former Art Basel global director Marc Spiegler, who dedicated 15 years to the organization, stepped down in 2022 and was succeeded by Noah Horowitz, following a brief tenure at Sotheby’s.

The previous edition of Art Basel in Miami Beach proved to be the most expansive to date, with the participation of 283 galleries. This remarkable number exceeded the fair’s previous records, even surpassing pre-pandemic figures, despite the devastating impact the Covid-19 pandemic had on art fairs worldwide for an extended period.

In conclusion, Art Basel’s decision to name Bridget Finn as the director of its Miami Beach show is a testament to her exceptional talents and contributions to the art world. With her wealth of experience and innovative approach, Finn possesses the ideal qualifications to lead one of the most prestigious art fairs in the world. Her appointment signals a promising future for Art Basel Miami Beach, ensuring continued growth and success.