Artist Marina Abramović, Art Basel global director Marc Spiegler, UNESCO's Francesco Bandarin among diverse mix of art-world leaders to appear in Doha March 12-15

LONDON, JANUARY 20, 2015 - The New York Times Art for Tomorrow conference announces the full roster of participants joining leading New York Times journalists this March 12-15 at the W Doha Hotel in Doha, Qatar, completing its stellar program of events.

The invitation-only event, organized under the patronage of Qatar Museums, will expand its exploration of the myriad global influences shaping the creative infrastructure of nations and cities. The conference will be introduced by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, chairowman, Qatar Museums, and Arthur O. Sulzberger, Jr., chairman and publisher, The New York Times Company.

The speakers include:

  • Marina Abramović, artist
  • Jeff Koons, artist
  • Francesco Bandarin, assistant director general for culture, UNESCO
  • Dakis Joannou, collector
  • Giorgia Abeltino, director for public policy for Italy, Greece and Malta, and director for public policy, Google Cultural Institute
  • Marc Spiegler, global director, Art Basel
  • Martin Roth, director, Victoria & Albert Museum
  • Wim Pijbes, director, Rijksmuseum
  • Thomas Girst, head of cultural engagement, BMW
  • Peter Stone, UNESCO chair in cultural property, protection and peace, Newcastle University
  • Jeffrey Deitch, curator and gallerist, former director, MOCA
  • Aric Chen,curator of design and architecture, M+ Museum West Kowloon
  • Gail Lord, co-president, Lord Culture Resources
  • Lisa Schiff, art adviser and curator
  • Elina Kountouri, director, NEON Foundation Athens
  • Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi, commentator on Arab affairs and founder, Berjeel Art Foundation
  • Ali Hossaini, curator, digital and performance artist
  • Einar Sneve Martinussen, Oslo School of Architecture and Design
  • Koray Duman, architect
  • Parker Ito, artist
  • Pia Myrvold, digital interactive artist
  • Stephanie Manasseh, founder, Accessible Art Fair - Emerging Artists
  • Yorgos Archimandritis, author and broadcaster
  • David Gryn, director, Daata Editions and Artprojx
  • Sophia Al-Maria, artist, writer and filmmaker
  • Deyan Sudjic OBE, director, Design Museum, London
  • William Lim, architect

Arthur O. Sulzberger, Jr., chairman and publisher, The New York Times Company, said: 'Urban life and environments have long been the source of creative energy and artistic inspiration. This creativity generates numerous social and economic benefits, on local and global scales. This dynamic will be at the heart of discussions among the influential experts and leaders convening at this year's event.'

Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, chairperson, Qatar Museums, said: 'We look forward to welcoming so many renowned global institutions, experts and cultural figures to Doha for the second Art for Tomorrow conference. The progress we have made at Qatar Museums in shaping our nation's artistic, creative and cultural development makes Doha the ideal backdrop for this important event. Building on the success of last year, this global gathering further highlights the role for art in connecting cultures, promoting mutual understanding and encouraging cultural exchange. It promises to be a truly inspiring few days.'

The 2016 edition of the conference has been expanded into a four-day program aimed at delivering an informative and rich creative experience for participants. In addition to traditional panel sessions, delegates will join intimate, interactive roundtable discussions about specific art sector issues, as well as take in a number of affiliated events, from live drawing classes to visits to working artists' studios.

Event details about The New York Times Art for Tomorrow conference, including all confirmed speakers and the agenda, can be found on the event website.

Sotheby's and QNB are the headline sponsors for the Art for Tomorrowconference. Qatar Tourism Authority is the destination sponsor. The host sponsors are Jaidah Group and W Hotels.

For news and updates about the conference, follow @NYTLive on Twitter. The hashtag for the conference is #NYTAFT.

-Ends-

Notes to editors

Media accreditation

Media accreditation for the Art for Tomorrow conference is currently open. Accreditation requests must be submitted to press@artfortomorrow.com by Friday, March 4. Please note that there will be no on-site accreditation. All accreditation requests are subject to final confirmation by The New York Times.

The New York Times Company

The New York Times Company(NYSE: NYT) is a global media organization dedicated to enhancing society by creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news and information. The company includes The New York Times, International New York Times, NYTimes.com, INYT.com and related properties. It is known globally for excellence in its journalism, and innovation in its print and digital storytelling and its business model. Follow news about the company at @NYTimesComm.

Contact: Christopher Kang, +44 207 061 3525, ckang@nytimes.com

The New York Times Company issued this content on 2016-01-20 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 2016-01-20 16:58:09 UTC

Original Document: http://investors.nytco.com/press/press-releases/press-release-details/2016/Distinguished-Artists-to-Join-Curators-Art-Collectors-and-Museum-Directors-at-the-New-York-Times-Art-For-Tomorrow-Conference-/default.aspx