Roxane Zand will be responsible for implementing a strategic plan for the region that Sotheby’s recognise as key to their future global business.
Ms Zand began a career in museum and arts administration in 1978 and was part of the start-up team for the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art but left Iran in 1980 after the Revolution, resuming professional activities in London in the field of education, mainly at Oxford University. She has worked with the Khalili Collection, the Iran Heritage Foundation and the Institute of Ismaili Studies where she was editor of the Encyclopaedia Islamica.
Sotheby’s are also putting sponsorship money into the Gulf Art Fair where, from March 8-10, staff will give a series of presentations, primarily focusing on contemporary art. Last Wednesday evening, they held a reception for local dignitaries at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi.
Meanwhile Christie’s, who appear to have stolen a march on their rivals in the Middle East, with a two-sale series is at The Jumeriah Emirates Towers Hotel in Dubai: jewellery and watches on the evening of January 31 and a second evening sale of international modern and contemporary art on February 1.
Sotheby’s firm up in the Gulf
Sotheby’s may be some distance away from holding sales in the Gulf – as Christie’s have now done three times – but they have taken measures to firm up their presence in the region by appointing a director for the Middle East and Gulf.
