The Governing Council of the Institut Valencià d’Art Modern (IVAM) in Valencia has officially approved the appointment of Blanca de la Torre as the new director of the esteemed museum. This decision, reached during a meeting on March 25, 2025, comes as part of a significant leadership change following the resignation of Nuria Enguita, the museum's previous director, in February 2024. Enguita departed amid claims of insufficient support from the Valencian government, which she criticized as "attacks based on false information."
Blanca de la Torre's candidacy was forwarded by José Antonio Rovira, the Minister of Education, Culture, Universities, and Employment. The proposal had already garnered unanimous support from the selection committee on March 11, 2025, signaling strong institutional backing for her leadership. De la Torre's contract as director will take effect on April 1, 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the IVAM, which has been at the forefront of contemporary art since its inception in 1986.
As the ninth director in the museum's history, Blanca de la Torre brings a wealth of experience to this role. Holding a Ph.D. in Fine Arts and having served as chief curator for notable art biennials, including the Helsinki Biennial in Finland and the 15th International Cuenca Biennial in Ecuador, she stands well-equipped to navigate the challenges of contemporary museography and cultural engagement. Furthermore, she has made significant contributions to public and private art institutions across Europe, the United States, Asia, and Latin America throughout her two-decade career.
In an interview, de la Torre expressed her enthusiasm about taking the helm at IVAM: "I am excited about the opportunity to open a new chapter for the museum." Her existing relationships with international art communities will likely enhance IVAM's stature as a pivotal institution in the global art scene.
The transition in leadership comes at a time of introspection for the IVAM. Nuria Enguita’s resignation followed a controversy involving allegations regarding a donation of land to the Todolí Citrus Foundation, led by Vicent Todolí, who had previously been a member of the selection committee that appointed her in 2020. Although the allegations faded without consequence, they contributed to an atmosphere of turmoil that Enguita cited as undermining her ability to lead.
Following the announcement of de la Torre's appointment, the administration emphasized the commitment to ensure a seamless transition at IVAM. The goals set for the new leadership include fostering innovative exhibition programs, enhancing community engagement, and expanding the museum's educational mission. With a firm belief in the power of art to provoke thought and dialogue, de la Torre is expected to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the museum's operations.
Throughout her career, de la Torre has also been an active contributor to various advisory committees for arts institutions and has authored over a hundred specialized texts in art literature. This academic and practical expertise, coupled with her international experience, positions her to effectively lead IVAM into a new era of creativity and relevance in contemporary arts. As she embarks on this five-year journey, stakeholders and art enthusiasts alike are keenly anticipating her vision and strategic initiatives.
In conclusion, with Blanca de la Torre at the helm, the IVAM is poised for a revitalization, potentially setting new benchmarks in contemporary art engagement and fostering a broader appreciation for modern artistic expressions within the Valencian community and beyond. As the museum prepares for this transition, the art world watches with keen interest to see how de la Torre will influence its trajectory and effectiveness in the years to come.
