START FROM THE BOTTOM

WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT DO YOU DO IN ONE SENTENCE?

My name is Coco Bannenberg, and I manage global museum relations for the European Fine Art Foundation (TEFAF), an international art fair.

HOW DID YOU START IN THIS INDUSTRY?

A classic one, I fear: while looking for an internship during my second Master’s, a friend’s sister connected me with a future colleague at TEFAF. They weren’t offering internships, but always needed extra staff for the big fair in Maastricht. I took a temp job at the info desk, returned the following year, and six months later, they hired me for a permanent role!

HOW DOES A TYPICAL WEEK LOOK FOR YOU?

Monday: Organised a TEFAF x Kiefer exhibition visit at the Van Gogh Museum, followed by drinks in Oud-Zuid

Tuesday–Friday: Quick London trip!

Tuesday: Bank of America Art Conservation Project launch at the National Gallery

Wed–Thu: Working remotely, visiting museums, meeting artists and gallerists, and catching up with friends.

Friday: Working on the go, back in Amsterdam for a cosy dinner with the parents

WHAT'S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?

My dad has always stressed the importance of connecting to top-level career opportunities early on. Starting out at TEFAF right after finishing art history was key for me, especially since I ended up spending my entire working life there.

WHO IS THE ONE PERSON YOU LOOK UP TO CAREER-WISE?

I saw Margriet Schavemaker on a panel years ago and was instantly impressed (and still am) by her bold, feminine, no-nonsense energy. She’ll do great things at Kunstmuseum Den Haag. And I can't not name Ginny: a sharp, fearless voice in the Amsterdam scene, unafraid to tackle tough or taboo topics, and an incredible artist too.

IF YOU HAD TO DESCRIBE TEFAF IN 3 WORDS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?

Best of the best. Sorry, 4 words, but anyone who has seen our event(s) will agree; and to anyone who hasn’t yet: in everything we do, art, fair design, flowers, food: this is true!

WHAT IS ONE CHALLENGE IN YOUR WORK AND HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH IT?

Handling relationships at a museum or “VIP” level sometimes means dealing with the occasional issue or upset visitor. I’m often told that I’ve developed a strong skill set, such as experience, language abilities, and the right attitude, to navigate these sometimes intense situations and turn things around, leaving people feeling heard and appreciated.

IS THERE A CURRENT ART MARKET TREND THAT YOU LOVE?

Maybe not a trend per se, but what I love most is seeing exciting crossovers between the art world and fashion, design, music, and more. I feel the art world still can (and needs to) learn a LOT from how other industries often do a better job of reaching truly broad audiences. These crossovers are a great start.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST PIECE OF ADVICE TO SOMEONE WANTING TO WORK IN YOUR INDUSTRY?

Open door: start from the bottom. Be humble that way, I guess. I did ‘nothing more’ than finish my two master's degrees, take the temp job on with both hands and look where that got me now? I also always tell everyone I was very lucky with timing, but yeah, if you get your way in any way, it will be the best way to start climbing.

I do want to say the art world is known for a certain attitude when it comes to temp roles and internships. It has gotten better now, but often these roles weren't even paid for. We work in a hugely commercial world (fairs & auction houses) and with sometimes crazy low salaries. I want to help advocate for this change for the better. Finally, I know it can also seem like no job openings are ever coming online. I am always happy to speak/have coffee with anyone who is interested and has questions :)

If you want to know more about Coco, give her a follow on Instagram