Stefanie Hessler

Stefanie Hessler is a prominent figure in the art world, known for her work as a curator and institutional leader. She served as the Director of Kunsthall Trondheim in Norway from September 2019 to April 2022.3 Born in 1987, Hessler is currently 36-37 years old.2

Career Highlights

Kunsthall Trondheim: Hessler became the director of Kunsthall Trondheim in 2019, taking over from her predecessor Helena Holmberg. During her tenure, she focused on consolidating the institution's position and leading it into its second phase. Her vision for the Kunsthall included:

• Supporting artists in creating new work
• Developing long-term programs addressing social issues
• Balancing local relevance with international engagement
• Working towards decolonizing institutional structures1

Other Roles: Prior to her position at Kunsthall Trondheim, Hessler:

• Co-founded the art space Andquestionmark with Carsten Höller
• Curated projects for institutions such as Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid and TBA21 in Vienna
• Co-curated the 6th Athens Biennale and Momentum 8 Biennial in Moss, Norway1

Current Position: As of 2024, Stefanie Hessler is the Director of the Swiss Institute in New York.456

Curatorial Approach

Hessler is known for her innovative curatorial work, often focusing on research-based exhibitions. Some notable projects include:

• "Attention After Technology" at Kunsthall Trondheim
• "Sex Ecologies," a research-based exhibition she co-led and edited5

Her approach emphasizes supporting artists, creating connections between local and international contexts, and addressing contemporary social and political issues through art.1