In an internal promotion, Art Basel has appointed Karim Crippa as the next director of its Paris fair. Crippa currently leads communications for Art Basel Paris and is a senior editor of the company's editorial platform.
Crippa joined Art Basel seven years ago, and has since worked across the fair's public relations and editorial departments. He previously held similar roles at the Haus der Kunst in Munich and the Vienna-based digital content firm Treat Agency.
He said in a statement: “I will do everything in my power to help advance this exceptional show and to remain a tireless advocate for the city of Paris, our exhibitors, partners and Art Basel’s global mission. Working alongside gallerists, artists, writers, institutional representatives, collectors and creatives for the last 15 years has only ever strengthened my commitment to the worlds of art and culture.”
He replaces Clément Delépine, who has led the fair since its inaugural edition in 2022. Delépine announced last month that he is leaving Art Basel to head the Paris exhibition space Lafayette Anticipations.
This is not the first time Art Basel has promoted a communications head to lead one of its shows. Maike Cruse, the head of Art Basel in Basel since 2023, was the company's communications manager between 2008 and 2011, before going on to lead Art Berlin Contemporary fair and Gallery Weekend Berlin.
Cruse's predecessor Marc Spiegler, who served as global director of the brand between 2012 and 2023, came to Art Basel with an editorial background, having worked previously as a journalist.
Crippa reports to Vincenzo de Bellis, Art Basel's chief artistic officer and global director of fairs. De Bellis said in a statement: “Karim combines a curator’s eye, a communicator’s precision, and a profound understanding of what makes Paris such a vital city for contemporary art. Over the past three years, he has been instrumental in articulating the fair’s identity and building trusted relationships across our ecosystem of galleries, institutions, and partners.”
Art Basel Paris's fourth edition continues at the Grand Palais until 26 October. Its fifth edition, Crippa's first as director, will be held October 2026.