Expo Chicago's Long-Term Director, Tony Karman, Announces Departure
Veteran art fair director Tony Karman has announced his departure from Expo Chicago, effective at the end of June. The fair's proprietor, Frieze, revealed this change in an email to partners and supporters.
Karman, who has been at the helm of Expo Chicago for 14 years, will continue to hold the title of President and contribute in an advisory capacity while the search for a new director ensues.
In a statement included in the email, Karman expressed gratitude for the opportunities he had during his tenure and expressed his continued investment in the fair's future.
This move marks the first significant leadership transition for Expo Chicago since Frieze's acquisition in 2023. Prior to this, Karman was to remain in his position at the time of the sale, with Nicole Berry heading the Armory Show in New York. Berry departed in March 2024 for a position at the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, and Kyla McMillan was subsequently appointed as her successor.
Frieze, the owner of Expo Chicago, itself underwent a change in ownership earlier this month, as a newly founded company by Ari Emanuel took control. Previously, Emanuel had acquired Frieze through Endeavor Group Holdings during his tenure as its CEO. The new company is now fully owned by private equity firm Silver Lake, which had been considering selling off Frieze since last year, and the purchase of Frieze was reportedly valued at around $200 million.
Expo Chicago, a successor to Art Chicago, was launched by Karman in 2012 and has since established itself as a highly respected art fair destination. The most recent edition of the fair, featuring 170 exhibitors and attracting over 35,000 visitors, concluded last month.
Simon Fox, CEO of Frieze, offered words of praise for Karman's dedicated service and expressed confidence in a smooth transition, while Karman expressed his appreciation for Frieze's commitment to Expo Chicago and the city's cultural landscape.
- The art world may be anticipating a new curator at the helm of Expo Chicago, as veteran director Tony Karman, known for his contributions to the fair's success, will transition into an advisory role, allowing for a search for his successor.
- As art enthusiasts prepare for the next edition of Expo Chicago, the museum and entertainment communities will be closely watching the selection of the new director, given the fair's reputation as a prestigious art destination.
- In the midst of these changes in leadership at Frieze and Expo Chicago, it remains to be seen how the new ownership and director might influence collaborations with artists and art collectors, shaping the future direction of the fair.
