The Art Dealers Association of America has named Kinsey Robb, a veteran of both the nonprofit and the commercial art worlds, as its new executive director. Robb assumes the role immediately, replacing Maureen Bray, who is exiting after six years but who will stick around in an advisory capacity through the ADAA’s annual New York fair, the Art Show, which runs October 30 through November 2 at the Park Avenue Armory.
Since 2021, Robb has been the executive director of Art Center Sarasota, in Florida, which hosts juried shows where area artists sell their work. Previously, she held artist-liaison positions at Gagosian and ADAA members Galerie Perrotin and Lehmann Maupin.
“Kinsey’s extensive experience, forward-thinking vision, and collaborative approach will be invaluable as we advance our mission as the foremost advocate and resource for art dealers and artists,” the ADAA’s board president, Anthony Meier, said in a statement to press.
The Art Show 2023. Courtesy Art Dealers Association of America.
“Maureen’s are big shoes to fill, and she’s been beloved by the board and all the galleries, and she has a great relationship with Henry Street Settlement,” Robb said in an interview on Tuesday, referring to the Downtown Manhattan social services organization that benefits from Art Show ticket sales.
Robb was preparing for a flight to New York as Tropical Storm Helene bore down on Florida. “It’s a unique organization, and that is what got me excited about joining,” she said. “I’m ready for the wild ride of coming in during a hurricane and starting on Monday. It’s great to dive in really fast.”
Founded in 1962, the ADAA promotes professional standards among its 200-plus members, who include one-person operations and mega galleries like David Zwirner, with specialties ranging from the Renaissance to the present. Membership is by invitation.
ADAA has also promoted Gabii Rodríguez, its member services manager and lead project manager for the Art Show, to the role of director of the Art Show.
The 2023 ADAA Art Show. Photo: Scott Rudin Productions.
Sensitivity to the issues that dealers face will be key to success in the new position. Asked what is top of mind for dealers, Robb named generational succession, political uncertainty, and a widely reported market reset.
“There’s some good news on inflation, but it’s a little early to know how that’s going to shake out,” Robb said. “What we can do is create more support during this challenging time.”
At Art Center Sarasota, Robb made improvements to its 1948 home, which had been battered by many storms of Helene’s ilk over the years. “In the beginning, the focus was to bring the facility up to par with what I thought would be a fitting space to honor artists and their work,” Robb said. “Believe it or not, there was carpet on the walls and cafeteria-style linoleum tile on the floor in one of the exhibition spaces.”
Multigenerational ceramics at Abrons Arts Center, courtesy Henry Street Settlement.
Robb said she was interested in the possibility of expanding ADAA’s philanthropic giving.
“The Art Show is such an incredible fair, and the story behind its support for Henry Street Settlement is critical,” she said. “Now more than ever, what I love about the Art Show and the ADAA is that anybody who buys a ticket is a philanthropist that day. Henry Street Settlement is actually helping people get back on their feet. A lot of people are suffering. Art fairs are glamorous, and who doesn’t love to see masterpieces on the wall? But it’s also really cool that your admission at the door is going straight to supporting a good cause. I hope we can make even bigger impacts through this unique opportunity.”