Bettina Korek

Bettina Korek is an American arts executive and curator, known for her leadership in the contemporary art world. She currently serves as the Chief Executive of London's renowned Serpentine Galleries, having been appointed to the role in 2020. Prior to this, she founded and led the influential Los Angeles-based arts organization ForYourArt and served as the Executive Director of the Frieze Art Fair in Los Angeles. Korek is recognized for her deep commitment to broadening public engagement with contemporary art and fostering international artistic dialogue.

Early life and education

Bettina Korek was born and raised in Los Angeles, a city whose diverse cultural landscape profoundly shaped her artistic perspective. She pursued her higher education at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she earned a degree in Art History. Her academic work at UCLA provided a strong foundation in critical theory and the histories of modern and contemporary art. During her formative years, she was influenced by the vibrant and evolving art scenes of both Southern California and global art capitals, which informed her later curatorial and institutional approach.

Career

Korek's professional career began in the nexus of art, publishing, and public programming. In 2006, she founded ForYourArt, an innovative organization dedicated to mapping and promoting the Los Angeles art ecosystem through a curated guide, digital platforms, and bespoke cultural experiences. This initiative established her as a key connector within the city's art community, working with institutions like the LACMA and the Hammer Museum. Her expertise led to her appointment as the first Executive Director of the Frieze Art Fair in Los Angeles in 2018, where she played a pivotal role in launching the highly anticipated West Coast edition of the prestigious international fair, collaborating closely with Frieze's global leadership and local partners.

Serpentine Galleries

In July 2020, Bettina Korek was appointed Chief Executive of the Serpentine Galleries in London, succeeding Yana Peel. She joined Artistic Director Hans Ulrich Obrist in leading the institution, which is celebrated for its pioneering contemporary art programs and the annual architectural commission of the Serpentine Pavilion. In this role, Korek oversees all strategic, operational, and fundraising activities for the galleries located in Kensington Gardens. Her tenure has focused on enhancing the institution's digital reach, championing artistic experimentation, and strengthening its commitment to diversity and accessibility, while navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic on the cultural sector.

Other roles and activities

Beyond her primary executive roles, Korek maintains an active presence in broader cultural networks and advisory capacities. She has served on committees and juries for significant art prizes and has been a frequent speaker at international forums such as the World Economic Forum in Davos. Korek is a member of the Commission for the U.S. Pavilion at the Venice Biennale and has contributed to publications like Frieze magazine. Her board affiliations have included arts education and service organizations, reflecting her dedication to supporting the next generation of artists and cultural producers across the United States and the United Kingdom.

Personal life

Bettina Korek maintains a transatlantic life, splitting her time between London and Los Angeles. Her personal and professional interests are deeply intertwined, with a focus on building communities around artistic practice. She is known to be an avid supporter of emerging artists and frequently engages with a wide network of curators, collectors, and institutional leaders globally. Details regarding her family and private life are kept largely out of the public sphere, as she prefers to center public discourse on the artistic missions of the institutions and initiatives she leads.

Category:American curators Category:Arts administrators Category:University of California, Los Angeles alumni Category:Living people