Dominique Savelkoul joins TEFAF as Managing Director

Ms. Savelkoul earned masters’ degrees in both history and management. She has held numerous distinguished board, governmental, and management positions in the visual and performing arts and cultural sectors. Throughout her international career, she has held management positions at the Festival of Flanders Brussels (Belgium), the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the National Gallery in London (UK), the Ruhr Triennale (Germany) and served as an Advisor in the cabinet of the Flemish Minister of Culture.

Besides that she has also held multiple board positions at Bozar in Brussels, at the Concertgebouw in Bruges, at the Flemish Art Collection and was a member of the Arts Council of the Belgian Senate. She is furthermore the former chairman of internationally acclaimed choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui.

In her most recent role, Dominique has served as the visionary leader at Mu.ZEE, an internationally recognized museum in Oostende, Belgium, which also includes the monographic museums dedicated to Constant Permeke in Jabbeke and Luc Peire in Knokke, specializing in Belgian art from 1850 to the present. During her tenure, she successfully navigated the museum through the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic and spearheaded a significant redesign. Ms. Savelkoul is credited with multiplying the museum's attendance and elevating Mu.ZEE's profile on the global stage. Leveraging her expertise in arts management, government relations, workforce administration, development, and audience engagement, she played a pivotal role in bringing the institution to its current prominence.

Hidde van Seggelen, President, on behalf of TEFAF’s Executive Committee, stated, "We are excited to welcome Dominique to TEFAF. As a not-for-profit foundation founded "by art dealers, for art dealers," TEFAF is known for its commitment to scholarship, academia, education, curatorial excellence, and cultural heritage. Our community of art specialists share these values, which are the Foundation's long-held tenets and the cornerstone of TEFAF’s activities. Dominique's unique experience and knowledge, gained from a distinguished career in the international cultural sector, will be an asset to TEFAF in the coming years, particularly in fundraising, audiences, and visitor experience.”

Dominique Savelkoul said, "I am thrilled to join TEFAF, a key player in the international art community. TEFAF holds a significant role in connecting the institutional/non-profit sector with the constantly evolving art market. I am eager to use, together with the team, my experience and commitment to develop a compelling, sustainable, long-term vision for the Foundation's future. As a prominent art institution and influential voice, TEFAF still has untapped potential to extend its societal and scholarly impact, ensuring excellence as a guardian and preserver of art historical knowledge for future generations – young art dealers and collectors alike."