Vallejo Gantner as the Artistic and Executive Director of Onassis USA

The Onassis Foundation USA has appointed Vallejo Gantner as its new Artistic and Executive Director. Australian-born curator who led the internationally influential New York City cultural institution Performance Space 122 (now Performance Space New York) from 2005 to 2017 and was responsible for all programming and strategic direction, including the creation of the annual, interdisciplinary COIL Festival and the production of worldwide tours for multiple shows under the PS122 Global moniker. Gantner currently serves as an artistic adviser to BAM artistic director David Binder and a curatorial advisor and dramaturg for Theater der Welt in Dusseldorf.

At Onassis USA, he will lead all of the Foundation’s cultural activities in the U.S., harnessing its evolution into a formidable contemporary producer and presenter of arts-and-ideas programs that substantially contribute to timely national conversations and effectively inspire social change. He assumes the post on April 1 as the Onassis USA prepares to open its "Onassis Festival 2019: Democracy Is Coming", which is co-presented by the Public Theater and curated by Mark Russell, on April 10. The festival celebrates democracy and examines its evolution from Ancient Greece to modern-day America through a number of performances and conversations that range from Lena Kitsopoulou’s retelling of Antigone to 600 HIGHWAYMEN’s production of "The Fever".

Commenting on his new role, Gantner said, “I am incredibly honored to accept the position of Artistic & Executive Director of the Onassis Foundation USA,” Gantner said. “Over the last decade, I’ve seen the Foundation courageously chart new ground in Greece and in the U.S., with the completion of the Onassis Stegi cultural center in Athens and the launch of its revolutionary Onassis AiR residency program, the Onassis Festival 2018: The Birds, A Festival Inspired by Aristophanes, the Speaking Truth to Power series at BAM, and, most of all, the upcoming Onassis Festival 2019: Democracy Is Coming at the Public Theater. In the U.S.—as we examine our notions of democracy, cities, and the ways culture and the arts can effect change—I am thrilled to join the Onassis teams here and in Athens, and to continue that urgent exploration with new work, new ideas, new forms, and new audiences.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Vallejo Gantner to the global Onassis team as the Artistic and Executive Director of Onassis USA. He brings a multitude of innovative ideas and diverse experience in the arts, which will bring a fresh approach to our cultural programming in New York. We look forward to his valuable contribution to our activities,” said Anthony S. Papadimitriou, President of the Onassis Foundation. In addition, Afroditi Panagiotakou, director of Culture at the Onassis Foundation, said that “We are at the beginning of a new era for Onassis Culture in Athens, New York, and beyond. Vallejo Gantner’s talent, vision, and innate curiosity are perfectly compatible with our strategy for the future. I am excited to see him lead Onassis USA to new heights.”

Founded in 2000, the Onassis Foundation USA is the first international affiliate of the Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation. Dedicated to culture, community, and education, the organization presents theatrical and dance productions, exhibitions, conversations, lectures, and other events through its two major initiatives: the Onassis Cultural Center New York and the Onassis Humanities Impact Program.