Saikalis Bay Foundation Opens Milan Headquarters CIRCOLO with Beirut Contemporary Show

The Saikalis Bay Foundation, founded by collectors Nicole Saikalis and Matteo Bay, has inaugurated CIRCOLO, its headquarters in Milan's via della Spiga fashion district. The space, a private apartment turned cultural platform, launched with the exhibition 'Shifting Crossroads. Beirut Contemporary,' featuring works by Lebanese artists including Joana Hadjithomas & Khalil Joreige, Lamia Joreige, Simone Fattal, and Akram Zaatari, alongside Italian modernists like Castellani, Melotti, Accardi, Boetti, and Spalletti. Saikalis, an architect by training, described the collection's conceptual thread as exploring identity, memory, and transformation rather than geography. The foundation supports emerging and established artists through residencies with Gasworks and dialogue with Beirut Art Center. Saikalis emphasized that collecting is a relational practice, not merely possession, and that CIRCOLO functions as a dialogue platform with talks and performances. She noted that Milan's art scene is less spectacular but operationally solid, and that the collector's role today involves long-term commitment and strategic support. Several artists in the show will also appear at the Venice Biennale in the pavilion curated by Koyo Kouoh.