Nikola Dietrich appointed new Artistic Director of Liste Art Fair Basel
Introduction
Stiftung Liste Basel has announced the appointment of Nikola Dietrich as the new Artistic Director of Liste Art Fair Basel. Recommended by the search committee, Dietrich returns to Basel after a decade.
Nikola Dietrich’s Background
Nikola Dietrich, born in 1972, has an extensive academic and professional background. She studied art history, modern German literature, and journalism in Munich and Berlin. Her notable roles include:
- Curator at Portikus in Frankfurt (2004-2007)
- Head of Contemporary Art at Kunstmuseum Basel/Gegenwart (2008-2014)
- Director of the Kölnischer Kunstverein (2018-2023)
- Currently curating KölnSkulptur #11 at Skulpturenpark Köln
Moving Back to Basel
Dietrich will move to Basel with her son, Francis, who was born and spent the first four years of his life there. Stiftung Liste Basel is thrilled to welcome this highly respected curator back as the Artistic Director of Liste Art Fair Basel.
The Selection Process
The call for applications attracted around 50 international submissions. After a rigorous review process, 10 candidates were shortlisted for the first round of interviews. Three advanced to the second round. Each candidate presented their professional background, analyzed Liste, and shared their ideas for its future.
About Liste Art Fair Basel
Founded in 1996, Liste Art Fair Basel has become one of the most renowned international fairs for promoting and discovering young art. Co-founder Peter Bläuer ran it for 23 years, followed by Joanna Kamm, who introduced new formats and initially relocated the fair due to the pandemic. Since 2022, Stiftung Liste Basel has owned the fair, maintaining its commitment to young galleries.
The Future of Liste
Nikola Dietrich will assume her role on September 1, 2024. The directorate aims to strengthen Basel as a cultural hub and develop support models for young galleries and artists. Liste will continue to operate as a non-profit, offering favorable conditions to new international galleries and maintaining its status as an essential platform for artists, enthusiasts, museums, and collectors.
Stiftung Liste Basel is pleased to continue its partnership with E. Gutzwiller & Cie, Banquiers Basel, and Helvetia Insurance, which has supported the art prize for 20 years.
Statements on the Election
Urs Gloor, President of Stiftung Liste Basel
“We are fortunate to have found a leader who will guide Liste into the future with great flair and dedication. Nikola understands the needs of young galleries, artists, and collectors from her own experience. Her ability to identify new trends in art will keep Liste attractive.”
Peter Bläuer
“I am extremely happy with the choice of Nikola Dietrich. She truly understands Liste. I’ve known Nikola since her time in Basel and deeply appreciate her independent, strong personality. She is a great and strong woman, sensitive and compassionate, yet unafraid to take necessary actions. I admire her curiosity, passion, and unwavering commitment. As the ‘father’ of Liste, I am delighted to see her leading Liste into the future.”
Nikola Dietrich
“Liste is a unique institution that has maintained its position as the world’s leading contemporary art fair for nearly 30 years. It is a great pleasure and honor for me to build on its success in the ever-changing landscape of contemporary art. I look forward to creating an irreplaceable space for diverse voices and lively discourse, promoting both the art market and a vibrant art community. I am excited to work with the Liste team and continue the valuable work of Joanna Kamm and Peter Bläuer in a city as passionate about art as Basel.”
