ART/NOV 9, 2026
Pablo Helguera takes lead at the Vera List Center
The artist and educator steps into a dual leadership role overseeing both the prestigious research center and a major university art collection.
BADDIES STAFF·1 min read
Edited by Simone Hale
Pablo Helguera has officially assumed the role of director at the Vera List Center for Art and Politics, marking a significant transition for the institution based at The New School. Helguera steps into this position following the extensive twenty-two-year tenure of Carin Kuoni, who previously directed the center's research and curatorial efforts. This appointment signals a fresh chapter for the center as it continues to explore the intersection of creative expression and civic discourse. Helguera brings a deep background in arts management to the post, having spent the last six years leading the graduate program in Arts Management and Entrepreneurship at the same university.
Beyond his responsibilities at the Vera List Center, Helguera has been tasked with the directorship of the university's permanent art collection. This repository holds over two thousand pieces of postwar and contemporary art, representing a substantial asset in the institution's portfolio. His new dual mandate involves both shaping the intellectual trajectory of the research center and managing the preservation and presentation of the school's significant art holdings. By unifying these two leadership functions, the university aims to streamline its approach to institutional engagement and foster a more cohesive narrative surrounding its artistic footprint within the New York City landscape.
“His new dual mandate involves both shaping the intellectual trajectory of the research center and managing the preservation and presentation of the school's significant art holdings.”
Helguera has articulated a focused intention to navigate the complexities of contemporary life through the unique lens of creative practice. His vision emphasizes the necessity of questioning established narratives and conceptualizing alternative possibilities in a world marked by swift social and cultural shifts. This approach aligns with the Vera List Center's long-standing history of bridging the gap between artistic output and political inquiry. As he settles into the new role, the influence of his leadership will likely be measured by how effectively he balances the academic rigor of the center with the evolving nature of the art market and institutional collecting standards.
Words by BADDIES STAFF
