Defne Ayas

Defne Ayas was named director of the Van Abbemuseum in the Netherlands in September 2025, bringing a unique combination of international experience, social engagement, artistic leadership and administrative expertise to the museum.

“The Van Abbemuseum has a strong international reputation, I wish to uphold that status,” Ayas said.

“The museum is located in a city that is enmeshed in global chip infrastructures and complex technological flows. This empire of lasers and optics is fertile ground for us as a museum to connect with. But I do gaze beyond our own city walls. I consider Antwerp, Düsseldorf, Den Bosch, and so on, as local and regional too.”

Before her current role, Ayas worked as a curator, director, educator and editor. Her work spans culture, politics, performance, technology, and spirituality.

Ayas started her career in 2003 at the New Museum in New York, developing education and media programmes focused on art, technology and critical gaming. Over the past two decades, she has shaped some of the world’s most exciting art platforms, biennales, and initiatives.

“Ayas is widely recognised as one of the leading thinkers in contemporary curatorial practice. Rather than viewing museums simply as places to display collections, she argues that they should function as living civic institutions capable of responding to social, political and environmental change,” said one person who nominated Ayas.

“Her leadership at the Van Abbemuseum continues this philosophy, combining an internationally ambitious programme with a commitment to civic participation, experimentation and institutional innovation.”