I am an art advisor, curator, lecturer, and writer with 30+ years of international experience shaping exhibitions, collections, and cultural strategies for museums, foundations, fairs, and private collectors. I blend curatorial vision with marketing insight to boost visibility, audience engagement, and financial sustainability for institutions across the U.S., Europe, and Latin America. I have led major projects such as launching the Liu Shiming Art Foundation's gallery space, directing large-scale fairs, and advising private and public collections. I build partnerships, curate thematic exhibitions, and develop public programs, catalogues, and outreach that connect artists, institutions, and audiences in meaningful ways.

Fran Kaufman

I am an art advisor, curator, lecturer, and writer with 30+ years of international experience shaping exhibitions, collections, and cultural strategies for museums, foundations, fairs, and private collectors. I blend curatorial vision with marketing insight to boost visibility, audience engagement, and financial sustainability for institutions across the U.S., Europe, and Latin America. I have led major projects such as launching the Liu Shiming Art Foundation's gallery space, directing large-scale fairs, and advising private and public collections. I build partnerships, curate thematic exhibitions, and develop public programs, catalogues, and outreach that connect artists, institutions, and audiences in meaningful ways.

Available to hire

I am an art advisor, curator, lecturer, and writer with 30+ years of international experience shaping exhibitions, collections, and cultural strategies for museums, foundations, fairs, and private collectors. I blend curatorial vision with marketing insight to boost visibility, audience engagement, and financial sustainability for institutions across the U.S., Europe, and Latin America.

I have led major projects such as launching the Liu Shiming Art Foundation’s gallery space, directing large-scale fairs, and advising private and public collections. I build partnerships, curate thematic exhibitions, and develop public programs, catalogues, and outreach that connect artists, institutions, and audiences in meaningful ways.

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Work Experience

Curatorial Director at Liu Shiming Art Foundation
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2025
Designed and launched the Foundation’s new gallery space; curated rotating exhibitions of Liu Shiming’s work and thematic pairings with other artists; collaborated with external curators to promote the Foundation’s mission; produced public programs featuring noted speakers; led the publication of Liu Shiming’s first monograph; developed Sight & Sound, an ongoing program integrating music and visual art.
Partner at Kaufman Vardy Projects
January 1, 2012 - Present
Provide strategic advising for institutions, galleries, and art fairs; curate exhibitions for U.S. and European venues; author exhibition and catalogue essays; develop and implement marketing and audience engagement strategies tailored to museums, galleries, and fairs; consult with private clients on acquisitions and de-accession in contemporary and modern art; build public-facing programs that increase visibility and impact.
Director at Houston Fine Art Fair
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2011
Developed the creative and strategic vision for the inaugural fair; recruited 85 leading galleries; built partnerships with MFAH, The Menil Collection, and FotoFest; designed a substantial VIP program and sponsorship model; guided branding and marketing efforts to maximize attendance and press coverage.
Director at palmbeach3 contemporary
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2009
Responsible for all aspects of fair management; managed a $2.5M budget; recruited 95 international galleries; oversaw staff and operations; introduced thematic programming, rebranding, and a first corporate sponsorship model; developed a robust VIP program and special events.
Partner/Director at Rosenberg + Kaufman Fine Art
January 1, 1989 - January 1, 2006
Curated solo and thematic exhibitions; managed gallery operations with an annual budget around $1.5M; advised private and institutional clients on modern and contemporary acquisitions; published artist catalogues; produced print editions; cultivated long-term relationships with collectors, museums, curators, and media; collaborated on Sound/Image projects with the International Contemporary Ensemble.

Education

BA, English Literature at City College of New York
January 11, 2030 - June 24, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services

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