Art Toronto Draws on Portugal and Bold New Leadership to Mark 20 Years
On October 25-27, 2019, Art Toronto, Canada’s international fair for modern and contemporary art, will fill the Metro Toronto Convention Centre with creativity and conversation as it marks its 20th year with bold new leadership and cues from Portugal’s flourishing arts scene. As Canada’s most important annual art event, Art Toronto has attracted top leadership talent on both a local and international level with the appointments of Mia Nielsen as the new director of Art Toronto and esteemed curator João Ribas for this year’s FOCUS: Portugal, an exhibit featuring work from Portuguese galleries and artists.

Mia Nielsen, Director of Art Toronto
Mia Nielsen is a veteran in Toronto’s vibrant art scene, for the last 12 years as curator and director of Art + Culture at The Drake, she developed an exhibition and events program that brought national and international acclaim to the Queen West Hotel and later to subsequent locations, including Drake Devonshire. Under her leadership, the brand commissioned major installations and performances from internationally recognized artists including Douglas Coupland, Peaches and FAILE. She also developed a reputation as a talent spotter, giving exhibition opportunities to artists early in their careers such as Sara Cwynar, Curtis Talwst Santiago, Tau Lewis and many others. Nielsen has been instrumental in The Drake’s previous partnerships with Art Toronto, as well as a vital member of the fair’s Opening Night hot-ticket Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) benefit gala committee for four years. Her jury experience includes Public Art for the City of Toronto, Nuit Blanche, Toronto Sculpture Garden and public sculpture for the Pan Am Games. A natural collaborator, Nielsen brings a passion for creating deeper connections within Canada’s bustling arts scene and beyond.
“Art Toronto has grown to become a hugely influential and well-respected player in the global art fair game,” said Mia Nielsen, Director of Art Toronto. “In 2019 we’ll build on that success with progressive programming and exhibitions of new artists and galleries to engage audiences in the incredible diversity of artworks shown at the fair. With over 100 galleries, the fair provides unique access to the Canadian art market for seasoned collectors and the ideal environment for those curious about art to learn more.”