Antonia Ruder will take over as director of Gallery Weekend Berlin on November 1st, 2023. As Maike Cruse’s successor, she will work together with the existing team and advisory board to further develop Berlin’s most important art weekend and continue expanding its established format with both national and international appeal.

Antonia Ruder was most recently head of communications at Schaubühne Berlin—a role that she retained for several years. During her stint at one of the most renowned German-language theaters, she contributed to bridging the gap between theater and the world of visual arts through active initiatives and a well-programmed approach. Throughout her professional trajectory, she’s been committed to deepening her knowledge and connection to Berlin’s prolific art scene. After her academic specialization in Cultural Studies, Art History and German Language & Literature, Antonia Ruder began her career as a consultant for visual and performing arts at the Kulturkreis der deutschen Wirtschaft e.V. (Association of Arts and Culture of the German Economy at the Federation of German Industries e.V.). In addition to the curatorial supervision of the “ars viva” prize for young artists, she was also involved in founding the Corporate Collecting Working Group. In her subsequent role within the Cultural Engagement department of the BMW Group, she was responsible for the coordination and conception of international cultural cooperations, primarily in the field of visual arts. One such cooperation has been BMW’s significant involvement in Gallery Weekend Berlin.

© Anne Morgenstern

The new director clearly stood out from a large number of applicants. The advisory board of Gallery Weekend is looking forward to the forthcoming collaboration, noting: “Due to her many years of experience in cultural communications and funding, as well as her extensive connections to galleries and artists, we are convinced that Antonia Ruder is the right choice to lead Gallery Weekend Berlin into the future.“

“I’m very much looking forward to the new challenge of further expanding Gallery Weekend Berlin as a notable and indispensable date in the national and international art calendar. Furthermore, I’m excited about developing new formats, especially for the season’s kick-off in September. The success of Gallery Weekend stands for the city’s unique gallery scene and underscores the importance of Berlin as an art market hub. I see it as my primary goal to further strengthen its role and function. I’m eagerly anticipating the preparations for next year’s anniversary edition,” says Antonia Ruder.