DUBAI: As the Gulf’s cultural sector continues its rapid expansion, boutique consultancy Artepreneur is positioning itself to support the region’s growing demand for specialized arts talent.
Founded in Madrid in 2024 by Maria Gracia de Pedro, the company focuses on recruitment and strategic support for the art and culture sector, working with galleries, museums, foundations and cultural institutions across Europe and now the Gulf.
Artepreneur’s regional expansion comes at a time when Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council are investing heavily in museums, creative industries and cultural infrastructure as part of broader national development strategies.
The boutique firm has already worked with several galleries in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, as well as entities in Europe, including Fundacion Museo Reina Sofía, Mai 36 Gallery and several arts shipping companies.
Speaking to Arab News, founder Pedro said the company was born from gaps she observed while working internationally across the art world, citing a lack of structure and support, particularly in “finding the right talent.”
She added that one of Artepreneur’s priorities in Saudi Arabia is balancing local expertise with international experience. “The local person is bringing knowledge of the culture of the region and is helping the consultant to understand the region. At the same time, the international profile is bringing that knowledge,” she explained.
Pedro also highlighted emerging opportunities for young people entering the arts sector, highlighting roles that many creatives may not know about.
“Before, we were doing more printed catalogs and now it’s like how your Instagram is working or how people see your institution through your TikTok,” she said.
“And another position that is very, very interesting and very specific is the figure of the conservator, the person that is in charge of taking care of the art collection … So, this is a specific technical role that a generic head-hunting company is not able to do all the processes for.”
Pedro said the most rewarding aspect of the work is helping institutions and professionals grow together. “We help the companies to find the right talent that makes (an) impact in their companies,” she said, while also supporting professionals seeking new opportunities across the cultural sector.
