The Armory Show announced today that it has appointed Benjamin Genocchio as Executive Director. As Executive Director, Genocchio will lead the development and strategic vision of The Armory Show. His appointment signifies the growing interest in international art. Drawing upon Genocchio's extensive leadership experience in the global arts community, one of Genocchio's goals will be to broaden the reach of the fair by engaging with galleries, collectors, directors and advisors from around the world, stated The Armory Show
Genocchio begins his new position in January 2016. He joins The Armory Show from Artnet News, where Genocchio served as Editor-in-Chief. He replaces Noah Horowitz, who stepped down in July as The Armory Show's Executive Director. Horowitz is now the first Director of Americas for Art Basel.
In related news, Artnet News also announced today that Rozalia Jovanovic has been appointed Editor-in-Chief, in the wake of Genochio's impending departure. Jovanovic was one of the original founders of Artnet News and was part of the group of editors and writers who left Art & Auction magazine and Artinfo.com in 2013 to start the website under the direction of Genocchio, reported the publication. Jovanic was promoted to executive editor for ArtNet News earlier this year, according to ArtNet.
Benjamin Genocchio has held leadership roles in art media for nearly 15 years. Genocchio holds a PhD in art history from the University of Sydney, Australia, with a specialization in Latin American art. He is the author and editor of nine books on the visual arts and art market, including two books on Asian contemporary art.
Benjamin Genocchio. Courtesy Wikipedia.
In 2001, Genocchio moved to New York, where he began writing for The New York Times, reporting on the arts nationally. He was well-known to the Hamptons art scene as the art critic for his work with the Long Island Section.
In 2010, Genocchio was appointed Editor-in-Chief of Art & Auction and Artinfo.com, with Artinfo.com expanding from a single website to ten worldwide. In 2014, he joined Artnet, the publicly traded German auction house and internet information services provider, where he launched and staffed Artnet News, serving as Editor-in-Chief.
Remarking on his latest career move, Genocchio stated in The Armory Show's announcement: “I am thrilled to join The Armory Show team and I look forward to leading this outstanding art fair, building on its prominence within the art world. New York is the center of the international art world and it is an honor and pleasure to be invited to direct the city’s most prestigious art fair. With a broad view of the art world, from the market to media, galleries, auctions and collectors, I have a unique overview of what's happening. I look forward to bringing that overview coupled with my experience and connections to The Armory Show, expanding its role and significance for the global art world.”
The Armory Show's Myron Maurer remarked in the release, "Benjamin is a proven leader who has already made a prolific contribution to the art community both in New York and abroad. His strong relationships with artists, collectors, curators and galleries will prove a dynamic and invaluable asset; and now he will turn his focus to The Armory Show, leading this strong institution to even greater success.”
Maurer is Chief Operating Officer, Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc., a division of Vornado Realty Trust, the owner of The Armory Show.
The Armory Show takes place from March 3 - 6, 2016 at Piers 92 and 94 in New York City. The art fair forms the centerpiece of Armory Week. The 2016 edition will feature over 200 galleries from 36 countries to form its most international edition to date.
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