Dedicated leader with a proven track record in institutional building and managing capital projects for next-generation art initiatives. Committed to creating lasting impact through strategic philanthropy, cultural partnerships, and transformative experiences for diverse audiences across the corporate and non-profit sector.
Photo by Alexa Hoyer.
Vittorio Calabrese is an Italian-born, New York based cultural strategist and arts management consultant, with extensive experience with museum institutions, nonprofits, philanthropy, and research initiatives.
CALABRESE PLAYED A PIVOTAL ROLE IN SHAPING MAGAZZINO ITALIAN ART, A PRIVATE INSTITUTION, OVERSEEING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE 25,000 SQ. FT. MAIN BUILDING DESIGNED BY MIGUEL QUISMONDO AND THE MUSEUM’S EXPANSION IN 2023, MARKED BY THE OPENING OF THE 15,000 SQ. FT. ROBERT OLNICK PAVILION, CO-DESIGNED BY ALBERTO CAMPO BAEZA AND QUISMONDO.
Robert Olnick Pavilion at Magazzino Italian Art, Cold Spring, NY. Photo by William Mulvihill. Courtesy of MQ Architecture.
From 2015 to January 2024, Vittorio served as the Founding Executive Director of Magazzino Italian Art, a private museum located in Cold Spring, NY, devoted to Post-war and Contemporary Italian Art founded by Nancy Olnick and Giorgio Spanu.
Working there since its inception, he was instrumental in developing the museum’s voice, branding, and operations, turning the founders’ vision into reality.
During his 9-year tenure, Calabrese spearheaded the institution’s entire artistic and editorial direction, building and managing a team of up to 35 people while overseeing a budget of over $3 million.
He employed a multi-pronged approach to his executive direction, which encompassed leadership and strategy, community building, curation and programming, fundraising, corporate partnerships, management, marketing and communications.
Throughout the growth of Magazzino, he collaborated closely with architects, external contractors, and local stakeholders. Prior to his appointment at Magazzino, he held positions at galleries, auction houses, and private institutions.
Born in Irpinia, Italy, Calabrese holds an MBA from Columbia University, a Master of Arts in History of Art and the Art Market: Modern & Contemporary from Christie’s Education, and both a BA and MA in Management of Government and International Institutions from Milan’s Bocconi University.
Ornaghi & Prestinari, Uscire dal Guscio (Coming out of one’s shell), 2020 (detail), Verde Alpi marble, tin, pvc. Photo by Umberto Zamboni. Courtesy of the artists.
A VISIONARY AT HEART, CALABRESE IDENTIFIES HIS ETHOS AND HIS APPROACH AS ‘ΠΟΛΎΤΡΟΠΟΣ’, THE GREEK ADJECTIVE MEANING VERSATILE AND MANYFOLD, MOST NOTABLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE HOMERIC CHARACTER OF ODYSSEUS, KNOWN FOR HIS INGENUITY AND ADAPTABILITY.
Dawit L. Petros, Untitled (Epilogue III), Catania, Italy, Archival color pigment print, 30 x 37.50”, 2016. Courtesy of the artist and Tiwani Contemporary.
Calabrese has used this ethos to develop a professional methodology that is both adaptable and characterized by transparent communication. This approach is also evident in how he has discovered and retained talent over the course of his tenure. Additionally, his willingness to take calculated risks allows him to seamlessly transition from design to implementation for each project, all while maintaining a hands-on approach.
Based in New York since 2011, Calabrese draws a bridge between the United States and contemporary Italy, with an emphasis on moving beyond the romanticized stereotypes associated with Italy. Instead, engaging with the diversity and cultural variety of his native creative community in fresh and innovative ways.
His unique personal and professional backgrounds position him to educate American institutions about the history and nature of Italian contemporary art. Providing Italian artists with a foothold in the United States while also fostering cultural partnerships between the two sides of the Atlantic. Additionally, he serves as an ambassador for artists, designers, institutions, and heritage brands, promoting collaboration and understanding between cultures.