Building on the soaring success of the 2024 Fair and its move to a new annual summer model, the Melbourne Art Foundation has announced the appointment of prominent artworld figure Melissa Loughnan as Fair Director for Melbourne Art Fair 2025 and beyond.
“Melissa’s extensive knowledge of the Australian and international art scene will make her vital, driving further growth for the revitalised Melbourne Art Fair now staged annually in February,” said Melbourne Art Foundation Chair, Peter Jopling AM KC.
“She brings a wealth of experience to the role which will see her leading the direction and development of the Melbourne Art Foundation’s flagship cultural event.”
Australasia’s premier fair and progressive forum for contemporary art and ideas, Melbourne Art Fair presents over 60 of the region’s most significant galleries and Indigenous art centres each February at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Under the leadership of CEO Maree Di Pasquale and the Melbourne Art Foundation board, the Fair has seen unprecedented growth in recent years, which has driven Loughnan’s appointment.
“This appointment demonstrates our commitment to delivering the highest standard of commercial art fair that the region has known,” said Melbourne Art Foundation CEO, Maree Di Pasquale.
“Melissa’s curatorial expertise and extensive relationships within the Australian and international collecting community will be instrumental in further delivering on Melbourne Art Fair’s ambitious plans as the dominant Australasian art fair.”
Renowned as a visionary of the Melbourne arts industry and around Australia for the best part of two decades, Loughnan brings with her a wealth of credentials and experience to the Fair Director role. In 2007 she founded the legendary not-for-profit Collingwood gallery Utopian Slumps before transitioning to a commercial model in the CBD in 2010.
Loughnan has provided public and private art advisory and freelance curatorial work since 2015, including the development of large-scale public art installations and major art projects for various government, corporate and private clients.
“I am honoured to be taking up the role of Fair Director for the prestigious Melbourne Art Fair. It is an event of great cultural legacy,” said Melbourne Art Fair Director, Melissa Loughnan. “I look forward to leading its direction in this new and ambitious chapter, with the support of the Melbourne Art Foundation board and our vibrant arts community.”
The Melbourne Art Fair runs 20 – 23 February 2025 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Tickets on sale and exhibiting galleries announced 1 October 2024. For more information, visit: www.melbourneartfair.com.au for details.
Image: Melissa Loughnan (supplied)