About Me
My name is Valeria Mari, and I am an independent art historian, curator, and writer based in Amsterdam. My work critically examines the intersections between feminisms and curatorial practices through theoretical frameworks, with a particular focus on challenging traditional art historical narratives and amplifying overlooked perspectives.
Vision
I approach art history through plural, feminist, and decolonial lenses, and see museums as microcosms that operate within non-neutral frameworks. I envision in my mind curatorial activism as a practice that fosters inclusivity and diversity, promoting a ‘museum of belonging’—one rooted in meaningful, human-centered approaches.
Practice
My curatorial practice engages with political identities and embodied knowledge, moving beyond performative trends to create spaces for representation, connection, and care. Recurring themes in my work include embodiment, inclusivity, memory and vulnerability, often explored through exhibitions and writing that foregrounds underrepresented perspectives and encourages dialogue and empowerment. I approach art exhibitions as a form of inclusive storytelling and social engagement where theory, practice, and community come together.
Service
In addition to curatorial work, I offer services in research, writing, editing, translation (English ↔ Italian), project and editorial coordination and management, public programming, and event planning. My practice blends creative vision with practical execution, always guided by empathy, curiosity, and a collaborative spirit. I also bring creative and detail-oriented mindset to every project.
Experience
I hold a Research Master’s (RMA) in Art History from Utrecht University, with a background in cultural heritage and museology. I’ve collaborated with institutions such as the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam and the H.E.A.R.T. Foundation in Bari, contributing to projects focused on inclusion, diversity, and gender-equal representations. I also gained hands-on experience through advanced training at the MAXXI Museum in Rome and early volunteer work that shaped my curatorial foundation.
Academic Contribution
My work has been presented at international conferences such as Re-Evaluation in Feminism and Contemporary Art (Middlesex University, London) and Forming Feminisms: Current Approaches to Art, Women, and Gender (Centraal Museum, Utrecht). A forthcoming book chapter, On Speaking Terms with Feminist Art Curating Through a Global Perspective, will be published in the Re-Evaluations volume late 2025-2026.
Let’s Connect
I’m always open to new collaborations, curatorial projects, and critical exchanges that align with my vision. Contact me to shape more inclusive, reflective, and transformative cultural spaces.
Thank you for exploring my practice!
