BASEL.- Art Basel announced the appointment of Carly Murphy as its new Global Head of Collector and Institutional Relations. Taking up the role in October, Murphy will work internationally to strengthen and expand Art Basel’s relationships with leading private collectors, museums, and cultural institutions – and to foster engagement across the fair’s global gallery network. Reporting to Vincenzo de Bellis, Chief Artistic Officer, Global Director Art Basel Fairs, Murphy will be focused on advancing strategies that enhance the relationships galleries forge with stakeholders across the ecosystem.

Murphy joins Art Basel from Christie’s, where she has served since 2021 as Senior Vice President, Head of Client Strategy for the Americas. Prior to this, she held senior roles at Sotheby’s, where she began her career in 2003. After working across several departments, she joined the Contemporary Art Client Strategy team in 2007, later expanding into broader strategic roles. Murphy serves on the Advisory Council for the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art (University of Notre Dame), the marketing committee of the Montclair Art Museum, and the Voices of Contemporary Art (VoCA) Inner Circle. She is also a member of ArtTable.

The appointment reflects a deepening commitment in how Art Basel engages with the individuals and institutions that are central to its mission. The newly titled role recognizes the growing diversity and sophistication of the constituencies that are vital to the business and Art Basel's global community of galleries, artists, patrons, and cultural partners.

“I am thrilled to welcome Carly Murphy to Art Basel” says Noah Horowitz, CEO, Art Basel. “Her appointment comes at an important moment for our field. Deepening relationships with private collectors and cultural institutions, shaping the conditions for galleries to grow, and cultivating the audiences of tomorrow are all critical to our role and to the wider ecosystem we support. With her experience and vision, Carly will be instrumental as we broaden our platform and advance the next chapter of Art Basel’s growth.”

Vincenzo de Bellis, Chief Artistic Officer, Global Director of Art Basel Fairs, adds: “With over two decades of experience at the heart of the sector, Carly brings deep expertise in cultivating long-term relationships with collectors and institutions worldwide. Her leadership will be instrumental in deepening our global connections and in working globally to shape strategies that support our galleries’ success.”

On her appointment as Global Head of Collector and Institutional Relations, Art Basel, Carly Murphy says: “Joining the Art Basel team is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I look forward to bringing my auction world experience to this new and exciting role. I am thrilled to be starting a new chapter with Art Basel and to contribute my skills to both its fairs and its wider engagement with private collectors and institutions worldwide.”