Art Basel’s CEO, Noah Horowitz
Doha, Qatar: Art Basel’s CEO, Noah Horowitz, has reaffirmed the fair’s commitment to redefining the global art landscape through innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity—principles that will take centre stage as the prestigious art platform makes its debut in Doha.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Horowitz said the evolution of major art fairs like Art Basel remains grounded in a single purpose: “to provide the strongest platform for galleries, artists, and collectors.”
While the art world continues to shift with the rise of digital platforms and younger collectors, he noted that the fair’s enduring value lies in “discovery and dialogue, not just transactions.”
According to him, the next decade will see Art Basel expand its reach and relevance by embracing data-driven insights and digital tools that enhance both transparency and engagement.
“Gen Z and Millennial collectors expect relevance and a stronger sense of purpose in how they connect with art,” he explained. “Digital tools will continue to enrich the fair experience by deepening preparedness and year-round engagement.”
Horowitz emphasised that while Art Basel is a global brand, each of its fairs—Basel, Miami Beach, Hong Kong, Paris, and now Doha—is uniquely designed to reflect its host city’s cultural ecosystem.
“Our differentiation lies in authenticity, ensuring every Art Basel fair feels rooted in its place while contributing to a shared global dialogue,” he said.
He described the launch of Art Basel Doha as a response to Qatar’s “national vision where cultural investment has been central to its identity and ambition.” The event, he said, is expected to act as a catalyst for the MENA region, similar to how Miami Beach strengthened ties to Latin America and Paris deepened engagement with Europe’s institutional and private collectors.
On sustainability and social responsibility, Horowitz underscored that Art Basel is aligning its operations with a long-term strategy targeting net-zero emissions by 2050.
“Sustainability is imperative to us,” he said.
“We’re integrating environmental and social responsibility into every aspect of what we do—from decarbonising operations and minimising waste to fostering inclusive engagement that strengthens cultural ecosystems.”
The Doha edition, he added, embodies this inclusive vision, featuring a solo-presentation format where more than half of the participating artists hail from the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. “It’s a powerful statement of regional creativity and visibility,” he said.
Horowitz explained that while the fairs remain commercial platforms for galleries and collectors, the curated experience enhances rather than distracts from that mission. He cited initiatives like Avant-Première in Paris—a gallery-nominated preview that allows for intimate dialogue before the main opening—as examples of balancing trade and experience.
“In Qatar, the solo format and central theme invite deeper storytelling,” he noted. “When the experience is anchored in artistic integrity, it changes how audiences connect with the work and how collectors commit to it.”
These initiatives, Horowitz said, “build continuity and context so that when people arrive at the fair, they’re stepping into a conversation that’s been unfolding all year.”
“Bringing a new fair to life meant aligning different perspectives,” he said. “Some wanted a truly global platform, others wanted authentic representation of regional voices. We’ve built this collaboratively—with Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa, our partners in QSI and QC+, and local institutions.”
The result, he added, is a fair that “prioritises depth over scale” and showcases regional artists on a truly global stage.
“When you build with integrity and partnership—as opposed to replication—you can expand Art Basel’s reach while strengthening the broader ecosystem for art worldwide,” Horowitz concluded. Art Basel Qatar is Art Basel’s fifth premier event and newest show, it runs from February 5-7, 2026 in Doha.
