Abstract

Art Basel Global Director Marc Spiegler describes how the most important art fair in the world has achieved a pivotal role in the global art market by redefining both the economic and sociocultural values of contemporary art. His broad analysis spans from artists and galleries framing sociopolitical questions around race and gender to the broader cultural commitments of Art Basel. Among the issues covered in this in-depth conversation: James Murdoch’s interest of in supporting the financial recovery of the Art Basel’s parent company MCH Group after the post-pandemic economic effects; the enlargement of the art market to include new multicultural players; the role of new technologies and the relationship between art market professionalization and education.