Maura has a strong background in the modern and contemporary art market. She has previously worked on various projects with institutions and companies, focusing on project management, acquisition advisory, and strategic development.
What are your main responsibilities in your current role?
As a representative for Portugal and Spain for Phillips auction house, my main tasks are to liaise with clients and potential clients who have interests in any of Phillips’ departments: Modern & Contemporary Art; Design; Jewels; Watches. Both from a buying perspective and from a selling perspective, whether for auction, private sale or valuations. Basically, it’s my job to advise these clients on any of Phillips’ departments. My main expertise is in contemporary art, so in general I’m more active in this department. Another of my tasks is to plan the annual marketing and communications project plan for Portugal and Spain and to create a business development strategy for both markets.
How has your professional experience prepared you for your current role, and what has been your greatest challenge?
I did my Masters in Arts Administration at NYU and interned and worked at The New Museum of Contemporary Art in NY.
When I returned to Portugal I worked on various projects with institutions and companies, always related to art and culture.
For the last 17 years I’ve been a representative for the Phillips auction house in Portugal and Spain.
One semester per year, I teach master’s and doctoral students in the field of art markets and collecting practices at the Universidade Católica.
What inspires you and keeps you informed in a constantly evolving career? What platforms do you use to stay up to date?
Seeing as many exhibitions as I can in museums and galleries, going to art fairs, biennials, visiting artists’ studios.
The Baer Fax and Artnet are important tools, additionally I read the reference publications, namely art books, art magazines and the UBS Art Basel reports.
Being in constant contact with people from the art ecosystem is super important.
What skills do you think have contributed to the success you have in your career today?
I think you have to be passionate about it because it’s a very demanding field.
On the other hand, you have to be willing to learn all the time, to keep up to date with the market and the tools that the profession has to offer.
Never stop being aware of and talking about all the relevant topics in art and culture.
Always give clients as much pertinent information as possible, and always make the most sincere recommendations.
Provide the best service and for that you have to be extremely available and dedicated.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their career?
It depends on the area, but I think you need a lot of drive, you need to create the best possible network of people, be present at openings and events and do everything you can to make people comprehend your interest in the arts since your interest and passion are contagious. Be available to do pro bono work for institutions and to do internships.