Stefan Kalmár appointed director of ICA

The new director of the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), London, has been announced as Stefan Kalmár. He replaces Gregor Muir, who is joining Tate as director of collection, international art.

Kalmár, who will take up his new position in November, is leaving his role as head of Artists Space in New York to join the ICA, which celebrates its 70th birthday this year. He has been at Artists Space since 2009 and before that was director of Kunstverein Munich. He was previously director of the Institute of Visual Culture, Cambridge, and artistic director at Cubitt Gallery, London.

Commenting on his appointment, Kalmár said: “Facing today’s complex local and global challenges, the ICA’s outspoken voice is needed more than ever, and by placing artists and ideas at the heart of all our programming decisions, I believe the ICA has all the tools to be that unique, utopian model – simply one of the most progressive organisations for the 21st century.”

Peter Heslip, director of visual arts at Arts Council England which for 2015-18 provided NPO funding of just over £2.5m to the ICA, said: “We look forward to working with Stefan as new director of the Institute of Contemporary Arts. In his time at Artists Space and Kunstverein Munich he demonstrated a commitment to supporting artists and a distinctive vision.”

Artist Liam Gillick also welcomed Kalmar’s appointment: “Stefan Kalmár has always demonstrated an unerring commitment to cultural expression in its most radical forms. He stands next to artists and thinkers, fighting for spaces of action, articulation and difference.”

Founded in 1946, the ICA was home to the Independent Group and played a significant role in the development of pop art, op art and brutalist architecture. Based on the Mall in London, its rich history includes Francis Bacon, Jake & Dinos Chapman, Damien Hirst and Richard Prince all presenting their first institutional solo shows at the venue.

Images:
1. Stefan Kalmár

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