Breaking Boundaries: Women Leaders in the Art World

As part of the exclusive One Masters Monaco exhibition—a private collectors salon showcasing fine and modern art, antiques, and jewelry organized by Art & Jewels of the World from July 9–11 at One Monte-Carlo—the Monaco Women Network along with Maison d'Art were proud to present a special panel discussion on Thursday, July 10th at 5pm.

The panel, titled “Breaking Boundaries: Women Leaders in the Art World”, presented by Vice-President of Monaco Women Network, Valentina Colman, brought together four distinguished speakers—curators, collectors, auction experts, and museum directors—to share their perspectives and personal journeys, and explore how to invest in women in art. The venue reached full capacity, with an audience of collectors, artists, professionals, and art lovers who didn’t just listen — they participated. The atmosphere was electric. Many in the audience engaged directly with the panelists, adding their own perspectives and turning the session into a true exchange.

Leisa Paoli, Director of FAMM, recounted the bold vision of collector Christian Levett, who transformed the Mougins Classical Art Museum into Europe’s first private museum exclusively dedicated to female artists. Her testimony sparked emotion and admiration, as she spoke of the impact such a space has had on visibility, inclusion, and artistic reparation.

Catherine Loewe, curator and advisor, spoke of the transformative power of digital platforms like Eye of the Huntress, which are helping to elevate emerging and overlooked women artists outside of traditional gatekeeping systems. She emphasized how tech innovation can be a tool for equity and recognition.

Stefania Angelini, founder of collect|mc and President of IAA Monaco, explored the intersection between care, education, and artistic leadership. For her, women bring a unique ability to care — for the work, for future generations, and for institutional integrity — and that this sensibility is central to building lasting, equitable curatorial ecosystems.

Anne Laure Carrega, General Secretary of the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo, brought a market perspective, sharing encouraging data on the rising value of women artists at auction. While noting that the value gap is narrowing, she cautioned that sustained effort is still needed — from collectors, galleries, and institutions — to ensure long-term change.

Following the panel, guests enjoyed a private tour of the One Masters Monaco exhibition, which featured outstanding selections of fine art, design, and jewelry. Highlights included the French heritage jewelry house Rouvenat with their timelessly elegant creations; powerful sculptural works by Pablo Atchugarry presented by Adriano Ribolzi Gallery; and Maison d’Art’s vibrant curation featuring artists like Cristiana Fioretti and Stefania Tejada.

The event was a resounding success. We reached full seating capacity and still managed to welcome last-minute guests, a testament to how much people—women and men alike—want to be part of this conversation. The energy in the room was undeniable. This is why we do what we do at the Monaco Women Network: to create meaningful spaces where women across all industries can speak, be seen, and lead the change they want to see. We’re proud to keep pushing boundaries, and we’re just getting started​.