The European Fine Art Foundation (TEFAF) and its managing director Dominique Savelkoul have parted ways after just over a year, making her the fourth managing director in six years (counting an interim). Savelkoul, a Belgian arts administrator who took up the post in September 2024, had never run an art fair before. TEFAF cited “differing views on the organisation’s future strategic direction” in a statement. Savelkoul succeeded Bart Drenth, who resigned in May 2023 after controversial social media posts. She previously held roles at the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the National Gallery in London, and Mu.Zee in Ostend.
This departure underscores ongoing leadership instability at one of the world’s most prestigious art fairs, which runs a renowned annual fair in Maastricht and a New York edition. The rapid turnover raises questions about TEFAF’s strategic direction and governance, especially as the fair seeks to expand its societal and scholarly impact while navigating the commercial art sector. The foundation’s ability to retain top leadership will be closely watched by the art world.