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STELLA Alliance Founders Chimere Cissé and Greta Scarpa Launch Platform to Empower Women Art Collectors

market-auction · 2026-04-22

Chimere Cissé and Greta Scarpa, the creators of STELLA Alliance, are addressing the gender imbalance in the art market through a membership platform aimed at female collectors in Dubai and Milan. This initiative responds to the notable disparity in the male-to-female ratio, as confirmed by studies. Initially, STELLA is invitation-only, focusing on established collectors before broadening its reach to those at early and mid-level stages. Members will benefit from exclusive partnerships, educational discussions, and tailored experiences. The founders have received encouraging feedback from influential women collectors and institutions. Cissé and Scarpa stress the importance of empowering women to curate their own collections, especially considering risks like divorce that can impact ownership. The alliance seeks to enhance informed collecting, connecting Europe and the Middle East, with backing from UAE ministries and forthcoming institutions.

Key facts

  • STELLA Alliance is a platform for women art collectors founded by Chimere Cissé and Greta Scarpa.
  • The alliance addresses gender disparity in the art market, noting a significant men-to-women ratio.
  • Membership is currently by invitation, starting with established collectors before expanding.
  • The platform offers exclusive partnerships with galleries and auction houses, educational events, and private experiences.
  • Headquarters are in Dubai and Milan, positioning the alliance as a bridge between Europe and the Middle East.
  • Founders cite positive feedback from prominent women collectors and major art market institutions.
  • The initiative aims to empower women to build collections in their own names and support artists and institutions collectively.
  • Upcoming cultural developments in the UAE include the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Sharjah Biennial.

Entities

Artists

  • Chimere Cissé
  • Greta Scarpa

Institutions

  • STELLA Alliance
  • Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
  • Sharjah Biennial

Locations

  • Dubai
  • Milan
  • Italy
  • Europe
  • Middle East
  • Gulf region
  • UAE
  • Abu Dhabi
  • Sharjah

Sources