News

Blanca de la Torre, new director of the IVAM

A project to consolidate the IVAM as a reference for contemporary art, balancing territorial roots and international projection.

bonart valencia - 07/04/25

Blanca de la Torre arrives at the helm of the IVAM with a clear proposal focused on heritage, sustainability, territory and the international openness of the museum. This approach, which earned her the unanimous support of the jury, seeks to consolidate the center as a pole of attraction within the contemporary artistic panorama, without losing sight of its roots in the Valencian Community.

The new director, who will take on the challenge for the next five years, aims to give new impetus to the museum's collection, making it its backbone and providing it with a permanent space. In this way, the aim is to offer the public a coherent and stimulating journey through the history of contemporary art, highlighting both international works and Valencian creation. De la Torre's strategy, however, is not limited to the internal management of the collection, but also focuses on exchange with other institutions. The increase in loans, collaborations with centers around the world and the co-production of exhibitions are some of the tools she plans to use to expand the IVAM's presence and strengthen its position on the international art circuit.

Sustainability is another of the great pillars of his project, understood in a broad sense: environmental, social, economic and cultural. For De la Torre, this principle must serve as a guide to create a space of balance and justice that, through art, contributes to a more inclusive and equitable society. This perspective also applies to his vision of the territory, which combines a global perspective with a firm commitment to the local and regional environment. Another of his priorities will be the digital transformation of the museum, improving both internal management and the experiences offered to visitors. The aim is to make the public's relationship with artistic heritage more accessible and dynamic, opening new channels of dissemination and participation.

Blanca de la Torre, new director of the IVAM Acte de presentació de Blanca de la Torre com a nova directora. © Miguel Lorenzo-IVAM

In terms of programming, the aim is to adopt a transdisciplinary perspective, fusing different languages and disciplines to enrich the narrative of contemporary art. The balance between established and emerging artists, support for local galleries and the inclusion of diverse proposals will be key factors in the new stage of the IVAM. Beyond the exhibitions, special importance will be given to the library, documentation and educational activities. De la Torre believes that cultural mediation should not be a simple complement, but an essential element to connect with the public and foster an intergenerational relationship with art.

De la Torre becomes the ninth director of the IVAM since its foundation in 1986, taking over from Tomás Llorens , Carmen Alborch , José Francisco Yvars , Juan Manuel Bonet , Kosme de Barañano , Consuelo Císcar , José Miguel G. Cortés and Nuria Enguita . A Doctor of Fine Arts, with a degree in Art History and a Master's degree in Exhibition Space Design, she has extensive experience in curatorship, research and cultural management. She currently directs the Helsinki Biennial and has been responsible for the Cuenca Biennial and the Overview Effect program at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Belgrade. She has also collaborated with numerous institutions and collections both nationally and internationally.