Why Art Matters: From Passion to Legacy

Why does art matter to us, and what makes us want to live with it, collect it or support it? 

A connection with art can begin with a single work. How does that interest grow into a collection, and how can personal choices shape what others encounter in galleries and museums? Bringing together perspectives from academia, the art market and collecting, our speakers will discuss how we develop our taste, build relationships with artists and institutions, and decide what to preserve and pass on. 

As Miami comes together for Art Week, join IE University for this conversation featuring Dr. Catalina Tejero, Dean of IE School of Arts & Humanities; Iciar Sanchez-Mangas, Head of Development & Cultivation at Art Basel and Adjunct Professor at IE University; and Diego Uribe, art collector and co-founder of DC Art Foundation. 

The discussion will be followed by guided tour of the DC Lab, featuring the works of Cuban artist Carlos Garaicoa, the foundation’s current artist-in-residence. 

Agenda: 

11:30AM: Registration & Welcome Coffee  

12:00PM - 1:00PM: Why Art Matters: From Passion to Legacy 

1:00PM - 2:00PM: Guided Visit  

2:00PM - 2:30PM: Refreshments & Networking  

About the Speakers:  

Dr. Catalina Tejero

Dean, IE School of Arts & Humanities  

Professor of Practice, IE University 

Dr. Catalina Tejero explores the role of the arts and humanities in enriching critical thinking, interpretation, and judgment. Building on her doctoral research on arts philanthropy and identity in family businesses, her work examines the connections between culture, identity and legacy, including how businesses, institutions and families engage with art through collections, patronage and cultural initiatives. 

Alongside her academic work, she advises cultural institutions, foundations, businesses and family offices on integrating art and culture into their strategies and supporting stewardship across generations. She serves on several boards and juries, including the Arts jury of the Princess of Girona Awards and the jury of the IE Foundation Prizes in the Humanities. 

Iciar Mangas 

Head of VIP Development & Cultivation, Art Basel  
Director Mapping Culture  
Adjunct Professor, IE University 

Iciar Mangas is an art historian and cultural professional with more than 25 years of experience connecting contemporary art with institutions, businesses, collectors, and international audiences. Since joining Art Basel in 2007, she has helped develop its VIP communities across Spain, Portugal and Latin America. Today, she leads strategic programs for established collectors and new international audiences. 

She is also the founder and director of Mapping Culture, a consultancy specializing in cultural strategy, audience development and collaborative networks, and the founder of artMunity, a contemporary art membership community. Through artist encounters, private visits, curated tours and cultural travel, she encourages participation in art through knowledge, shared experiences and community. 

Diego Uribe 

Art Collector  

Co-founder, DC Art Foundation 

Diego Uribe grew up in Colombia and shares a longstanding commitment to art collecting and artist support with his partner, Cristina Chacón. His collecting journey began in 1992 with a work by Colombian artist Alberto Nuño and has grown to encompass Modern and contemporary art, with a strong focus on Latin America and an interest in abstract and geometric works. 

In 2021, he co-founded Miami’s DC Art Foundation with Chacón to support mid-career and established artists through exhibitions, residencies and access to the U.S. art market. He also serves on the Chairman’s Council of the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami, reflecting his commitment to artists and cultural institutions.