VENICE.- François Pinault, President of Palazzo Grassi SpA, has appointed Martin Bethenod as the new Director of Palazzo Grassi SpA in charge of Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana in Venice. Martin Bethenod will take up the position on the 1st June 2010.

Martin Bethenod, 44, has been General Director of FIAC (The International Contemporary Art Fair) in Paris, for 6 years since 2004. Before this he was in charge of the Visual Arts Department at the French Ministry of Culture and Communication (2003 – 2004). He is also heading the artistic direction of the Nuit Blanche 2010 in Paris.

Having managed major projects both for public arts institutions and private organisations, Martin Bethenod will be a key interlocutor with the City of Venice, and Venetian and Italian institutions.

François Pinault said: "I am delighted to welcome Martin Bethenod to the team in Venice. His knowledge of contemporary art, his solid experience in major cultural projects and his cultural credentials will be great assets for the outreach of Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana".

Martin Bethenod stated: "It is a great honour to have been chosen by François Pinault to direct Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana. The exceptional collection assembled by François Pinault, the ambition of his artistic projects and the extraordinary quality of the sites, as well as the richness of the Venetian context, make it a unique combination. I am aware of the scope of the responsibility entrusted to me, and will dedicate myself with enthusiasm".