Art Basel is strengthening its presence on the global contemporary art scene with a key appointment: Carly Murphy is the new Global Head of Collector and Institutional Relations . This appointment, effective October, marks an important step in the organization's strategy, which aims to strengthen its dialogue with private collectors, museums, and leading international cultural institutions.
Murphy will work alongside Vincenzo de Bellis , Chief Artistic Officer and Global Director of Art Basel, to develop innovative relationship and support strategies for galleries participating in the brand's events. His appointment comes at a time of growth for the fair, which in recent years has expanded its projects and collaborations beyond Europe.
A profile built in the world of auctions
With over twenty years of experience in the art market, Carly Murphy brings a deep understanding of the sector. Since 2021, she has been Senior Vice President and Head of Client Strategy for the Americas at Christie’s , where she led the development of strategies for the continent’s most important clients. Previously, she spent nearly two decades at Sotheby’s , where she began her career in 2003, holding various key roles, eventually moving to focus on contemporary art and strategic planning.
In addition to her professional work, Murphy is a member of VoCA (Voices of Contemporary Art) and ArtTable , as well as serving on the advisory board of the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art at the University of Notre Dame and the marketing committee of the Montclair Art Museum . This network of relationships and expertise makes her a key figure in connecting the market, institutions, and the public.
A nomination for the future of the Art Basel ecosystem
Murphy's arrival demonstrates Art Basel's commitment to the international art and collecting communities . According to Noah Horowitz , CEO of Art Basel, "His experience and vision will be crucial in expanding the platform and guiding the fair's next phase of growth."
Vincenzo de Bellis agrees , underlining that the new global head “will bring a deep knowledge of the dynamics of the sector and the ability to build lasting relationships with collectors and institutions around the world”.
For her part, Carly Murphy called the assignment “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” expressing excitement at the chance to use her auction experience to help with such a large-scale project.
The global expansion of trade fairs
Founded in 1970 by a group of Swiss gallerists, Art Basel is now one of the most influential contemporary art venues. Its presence spans five continents, with events in Basel, Miami Beach, Hong Kong, Paris, and Doha . Each event is closely linked to the urban and cultural context that hosts it, enhancing the local scene through collaborations with museums, foundations, and artists.
In addition to physical fairs, Art Basel has established a growing digital presence in recent years , with online platforms, a dedicated app, and initiatives such as the Global Art Market Report in collaboration with UBS, and the Art Basel Shop , dedicated to publications and art objects.
For more information and updates on upcoming editions – including Paris (24–26 October 2025) , Miami Beach (5–7 December 2025) , Qatar (5–7 February 2026) , Hong Kong (27–29 March 2026) and Basel (18–21 June 2026) – please visit the official website.
