ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Artissima Director Sarah Cosulich Canarutto on the Fair's Future and Challenges

festival-fair · 2026-05-05

Sarah Cosulich Canarutto, the director of Artissima, reflects on the fair's role amidst the evolving political landscape in Turin and her choice to pursue reappointment. She observes a swift cultural transformation following Patrizia Asproni's exit from the Fondazione Torino Musei. While Cosulich Canarutto points out Artissima's robust budget, she recognizes that its achievements depend heavily on the cultural ecosystem of Turin. Initially uncertain about seeking another term due to concerns over the tender process, she ultimately opted to engage with a new project model. She cites three key reasons to attend Artissima: the chance to discover new artists, its innovative approach, and its global presence. Additionally, she advises the Ministry on fiscal matters, cautioning that punitive taxes harm galleries and diminish support for emerging artists.

Key facts

  • Sarah Cosulich Canarutto is director of Artissima.
  • Patrizia Asproni resigned as president of Fondazione Torino Musei.
  • Artissima is a public fair owned by the Municipality of Turin.
  • Cosulich Canarutto's mandate concludes in 2016.
  • She decided to participate in the tender for a new term with a new model project.
  • Nearly 70% of Artissima's participants are international, from countries including China, Latin America, and South Africa.
  • Artissima takes place at OVAL, Lingotto, Turin, from November 4 to 6, 2016.
  • Cosulich Canarutto believes miart's future depends on Artissima.

Entities

Institutions

  • Artissima
  • Fondazione Torino Musei
  • Partito Democratico
  • M5S
  • Comune di Torino
  • miart
  • Frieze
  • FIAC
  • Art Basel
  • Ministero della Cultura
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Turin
  • Italy
  • China
  • Latin America
  • South Africa
  • OVAL
  • Lingotto

Sources