Is the art world’s long-hoped for connection to wealthy tech workers in Silicon Valley finally materializing? One indication is the fact that powerhouse Pace Gallery has announced a pop-up space in Menlo Park for next month (April 16–30) in the former Tesla headquarters, almost immediately following the inaugural edition of the Silicon Valley Contemporary fair (April 10–13), which unveiled its list of 50 international exhibitors on March 18.
Pace President Marc Glimcher said in an interview with Gallerist that he has been getting to know clients in the region over the past decade and said tech entrepreneurs are becoming increasingly interested in breaking into the art world. Glimcher said feedback from potential buyers indicates they need “not necessarily a gallery, but we need a moment.”
For the first show, Pace will be exhibit a survey of works by Alexander Calder, some for sale, some not, that range in date from 1929 up to the artist’s death in 1976. On May 22, the gallery will open a show of work by Tara Donovan. In addition to the exhibition space, the gallery plans to have a screening room for artist films, a 1,000-volume library and “most importantly,” says Glimcher, “a functioning bar back there.”