Sabine Longin appointed chief executive of La Biennale de Lyon
La Biennale de Lyon, chaired by Laurent Bayle, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Sabine Longin as its new chief executive, effective from June 1, 2024. This significant development is backed by key public partners, including the Ministry of Culture (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regional directorate of cultural affairs – DRAC), the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Regional Council, the Lyon Métropole authority, and the Lyon City Council.
A New Era for La Biennale de Lyon
This appointment marks a new milestone for La Biennale de Lyon, which hosts the prestigious Lyon Biennale of Contemporary Art and the Lyon Dance Biennale. These cultural events are recognized both nationally and globally. Sabine Longin will now lead La Biennale de Lyon, working alongside Isabelle Bertolotti, the artistic director of the Biennale of Contemporary Art and director of Lyon’s Musée d’Art Contemporain, and Tiago Guedes, the artistic director of the Dance Biennale and director of Lyon’s Maison de la Danse since 2022.
Sabine Longin’s Extensive Experience
Sabine Longin has been a prominent figure in the arts and culture sector since 1994. Her career highlights include serving as a cultural attaché and later as a cooperation and cultural action adviser to the French Embassy in Qatar (Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs) starting in 2013. She also held the position of deputy director at the Fondation Giacometti Paris and was most recently the chief executive of the Musée National Picasso-Paris, a public establishment overseen by the Ministry of Culture.
Board of Trustees’ Confidence
The Board of Trustees of La Biennale de Lyon confirmed Sabine Longin’s appointment on May 7, 2024. They stated, “We are convinced that her vision and leadership will be a major asset for the institution and foster the regional, national, and international development of the two events that it stages, which are emblematic of new work in dance and contemporary art.”
Future Plans Under Sabine Longin’s Leadership
Under Sabine Longin’s leadership, La Biennale de Lyon aims to expand its international reach and develop an ambitious partnership policy. The institution is committed to innovation and cross-disciplinary work, strengthening its regional presence, and making its events accessible to all audiences.
La Biennale de Lyon is excited about this new chapter and looks forward to the dynamic contributions Sabine Longin will bring to its prestigious cultural events.