Bringing together a group of key figures operating at the intersection of local initiatives and international frameworks—Maria Rus Bojan, Ioana Ciocan, Thomas Girst, Ovidiu Șandor, and Catinca Tabacaru—this talk examines how contemporary art scenes are built through a network of complementary roles.

At the center of the discussion is the role of BMW as a cultural actor, articulated through Thomas Girst’s long-standing work in shaping the company’s global cultural engagement. His presence opens up a broader reflection on how corporations can move beyond sponsorship to become active participants in the cultural field—supporting production, fostering international dialogue, and contributing to the long-term development of art ecosystems.

Placed in dialogue with local actors, each speaker brings a distinct perspective into the conversation. Maria Rus Bojan contributes an international outlook shaped by her work in cultural consultancy and artist representation, operating across multiple contexts and markets. Ioana Ciocan engages with large-scale public-facing events through her role as director of Art Safari, offering insight into audience-building and accessibility. Ovidiu Șandor contributes as a collector deeply involved in institutional development, as president of the Art Encounters Biennial. Catinca Tabacaru brings the perspective of the art market and emerging platforms through her work with RAD Art Fair.

Together, these perspectives reveal how local scenes—such as those in Bucharest, Cluj, and Timișoara—are not built in isolation, but through continuous exchange between artists, institutions, collectors, markets, and corporate partners. The talk ultimately proposes a model of growth that is both locally grounded and internationally connected, where collaboration across sectors becomes essential to sustaining and expanding contemporary art today.