Edited by Casey Brennan
In the vibrant core of New York City’s contemporary art scene, Isolde Brielmaier emerges not only as a cultural curator but as a visionary committed to shaping a future where creativity knows no bounds.
For Brielmaier, Deputy Director of the New Museum of Contemporary Art and a Guest Curator at the International Center for Photography, both in New York City, entrepreneurship is not just a title; it’s an inherited spirit. Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, she naturally gravitated towards a path less defined.
“I started out as a dancer, which involves a lot of twists and turns – literally and figuratively – and then I pivoted into contemporary art, yet I have carried my dance sensibility with me,” Brielmaier, who has worked for over two decades in private and public sector as well as in academia, tells GRAZIA USA. “This meant that focus and discipline along with a desire to move freely and be open and engage with people have remained at my core.”
Working both independently and for illustrious organizations, Brielmaier, who holds a PhD in Art History, Criticism and Conversation from NYC’s Columbia University, devoted years to ideating and developing projects with artists and creatives across various contexts. As Deputy Director at the New Museum of Contemporary Art, Brielmaier’s work centers on the culture within this cultural institution, ensuring the sustainability and empowerment of the people who contribute to its magic.
“I work under the umbrella of culture, and that includes art, artists, ideas, and audiences, among other aspects,” says Brielmaier. “I have worked in-house for many amazing organizations and companies but have also worked independently for years. Much of this time has been spent ideating and developing projects with artists and other creatives for a multitude of contexts.”
Brielmaier admits these experiences have challenged her to be creative, resourceful, and committed. “I have had to build teams and budgets as well as cultivate and prioritize different relationships. ‘People over projects’ is a bit of a motto for me in so many ways. I am grateful to work with the folks who comprise the fabric of what the New Museum is.”
Since joining the New Museum of Contemporary Art in 2021, Brielmaier has made it a goal to increase support for BIPOC individuals, women, and the LGBT+ community. Brielmaier’s commitment extends to artists and creatives, collaborating to script the next chapter of creativity. She believes artists, with their unique perspective, offer profound notes for writing this next chapter, and she’s eager to amplify those voices.
“I am focused on paying things forward,” explains Brielmaier. “In particular, I am very much committed to supporting other women around me, especially those in the creative space like Salome Asega – the wonderful director of NEW INC at the New Museum, and Hannah Traore, who used to work with me and is now soaring with her new gallery. I could list so many women who are dedicated to their work and to making a difference in the work they put out in the world. I want to lift them up.”
Brielmaier’s transition from idea to execution involves starting with expansive possibilities, rooted in the belief that beginning with grand visions sets the stage for meaningful impact. “Think big!” she says. “I like to start with dreaming and thinking of infinite possibilities, way beyond any ‘box.’ It’s easy to scale down due to budget, capacity, and so on, but it is hard to build up and add on.”
Brielmaier’s journey is a testament to the harmony of entrepreneurship and artistry, where dreams guide the symphony of impact. As she nurtures the culture within the New Museum, her vision extends beyond, reaching a global audience, fostering engagement, and shaping a future where creativity transcends boundaries. “There is a big world out there,” says Brielmaier. “The New Museum, while in NYC, is a truly global museum with a huge international audience, and I would love to continue to grow this audience and engagement particularly in places like South Asia and throughout the African continent.”
Brielmaier acknowledges the unpredictability of life, abandoning the notion of strict maps in favor of a more open approach, allowing herself to be guided by love, joy, community, perseverance, hope, and hard work. “I have tried to focus on developing my personal ethos – my set of personal beliefs and aspirations – and letting this guide me,” Brielmaier reveals. “It evolves of course, but it’s important for me to keep it in sight.”
