Candida Pestana Email & Phone Number

Saudi Arabia

Al Ula, Al Madinah, Saudi Arabia

Al-Dammam Governorate, Saudi Arabia

Worked as a chief curator for the contemporary art space at The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra). Curating two contemporary exhibitions a year for the institution, and also responsible for the research and acquisition of artworks for the permanent art collection of Ithra with a focus on artists from the Middle East and and the Arab world. On the core of my responsibilities includes the lead of strategic partnerships with external stakeholders such as art institutions and organizations, galleries, artists, collectors, and other relevant stakeholders.Lead the Ithra Art Prize since its launch in 2018. Considered on of the biggest art prizes of contemporary art, Ithra Art Prize have been recognizing and supporting artists from Saudi Arabia and the Arab World which their work became part of Ithra´s permanent art collection.The curatorial position also required a close collaboration with cultural coordinators and senior managers, for the delivery of engaging artistic programs that are both culturally relevant and impactful, and aligned with the broader curatorial strategy of the Museum. The development of programs and publication in accords to the exhibition curatorial strategy. Working in the Saudi Arabian environment has been hugely rewarding, allowing me to draw on the versatility and cultural awareness I have been able to develop in my extensive international experience. Delivering exhibitions and programs with deference to local cultural customs and sensitivities, and in partnership with local and international institutions to generate a very high rate of repeat visits has been a wonderful opportunity to bring together the full breadth of my experience and skill in understanding and harnessing the nuances of the relationship between culture and art.

Geneva E Região, Suíça

At the United Nations Office, Geneva, I was responsible for delivering artistic and cultural programs of the United Nations permanent missions. Programs both reflected the core values and mission of the international body at large, as well as the specific countries’ traditions, culture and values. I built and drew on strong relationships with contacts across the UN and partner organisations, drawing on in-mission expertise to ensure religion and culture were balanced in the development of programs and initiatives. Careful and culturally sensitive stakeholder management was critical to this role. I oversaw and coordinated a broad range of artistic and cultural events, including exhibitions, concerts, films and conferences. I also developed editorial and social media content, and marketing collateral for corporate and events communications.

Zürich E Região, Suíça

In this role, I assisted with coordination and production of the ‘Abstract Possible – The Zurich Test’ exhibition curated by Maria Lind, and several postgraduate university students (www.curating.org). I also acted as Assistant to the Curatorial Programme and to Director Dorothee Richter, and held responsibility for the production, assembly and transportation of art works of Wade Guyton and Tommy Stockel, and coordination of Master’s program events, including debates and conferences.

Zürich E Região, Suíça

As an editorial assistant in this private contemporary art advisory (www.mikiwickkim.com), I conducted historical and artistic research to compile material for Korean Contemporary Art, published by Prestel Verlag in January 2012. I was also responsible for communicating and coordinating with artists and galleries, web administration and content development, and editing and image processing for publications.

Zürich E Região, Suíça

As a Gallery Assistant at the Boltelang Gallery (www.boltelang.com), I was responsible for database maintenance, compiling media for reports and documentation for artists, and logistics for events and visits.

Master'S Degree, Curatorial Studies

Bachelor'S Degree, Fine/Studio Arts, General

Bachelor Of Arts (Ba), Fine Arts - Painting