BIO

Maria Vega: Curator, Gallerist, and Visionary Founder

Maria Vega stands at the forefront of the contemporary art world as a distinguished curator, gallerist, and the innovative mind behind Ministry of Nomads and the Mon Art Foundation. With a rich academic background in art and journalism, Vega has skillfully woven her profound insights into the arts with a passion for fostering creative dialogues and collaborations.

Her journey into the art world was markedly influenced by her extensive travels, where the vibrant tapestry of global cultures and artistic expressions deepened her commitment to using art as a platform for dialogue and exploration. In 2008, this vision took form with the inception of Ministry of Nomads. Based in London, with connections stretching from Havana, Bogota, to numerous global places, Ministry of Nomads emerged as a unique blend of commercial, educational, and philanthropic endeavors, dedicated to championing the voices of both emerging and established artists and engaging collectors in meaningful ways.

Under Vega's astute leadership, Ministry of Nomads has curated an array of exhibitions, performances, and discussions, establishing itself as a dynamic hub for interdisciplinary collaboration. The initiative's international scope has fostered cross-cultural dialogues, enriching the London art scene with diverse perspectives and innovative artistic narratives.

2014 marked a significant expansion of Vega’s vision with the establishment of the Ministry of Nomads Art Foundation, followed by the introduction of the MON Artist Award. This prestigious accolade, along with the New Bolivian Artist Award launched in collaboration with the Bolivian Embassy in London in 2015, underscores Vega’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of artistic talent, providing emerging artists with opportunities to develop and showcase their work.

The MON Art Foundation, launched in 2023, represents the culmination of Vega's efforts to bridge the worlds of art, science, and activism. Through the Foundation, Vega continues to curate ambitious exhibitions and foster collaborations that empower artists and engage communities in a shared dialogue.

Maria Vega’s career, from launching Ministry of Nomads as a boutique gallery to establishing the Mon Art Foundation, illustrates her unwavering commitment to the advancement of contemporary art and the development of emerging talent. Her work not only enriches the cultural landscape but also sets a precedent for future initiatives at the intersection of art, innovation, and community engagement.

LATEST EXHIBITIONS:

CHRONOS - Maria Kreyn, St. Georges Church, Venice Biennale 

April 15th - June 22nd, 2024 

Lensing a Storm - Maria Kreyn, Solo Exhibition London.  

October 7th - 16th, 2023

Paradise Blown - Marco Walker,
Jun 23rd - September 28th, 2023

A Significant Move Towards Normality - Alejandro Ospina,
September 17th - November 17th, 2022

Paradise Blown - Marco Walker,
May 7th - July 7th, 2020

Carlos Jacanamijoy - Carlos Jacanamijoy, Solo Exhibition
April 1st - 30th, 2020

Ivan Rickenmann - Ivan Rickenmann, Artsy Online Exclusive
March 1st - April 1st, 2020

Misha Milovanovich - Misha Milovanovich, Artsy Online Exclusive
February 4th - March 4th, 2020

Juan Mejia - Juan R Mejía, Artsy Online Exclusive
July 19th - August 19th, 2019

Nachev - Nachev, Solo Exhibition
April 8th - May 8th, 2019

Canto Rodado (Boulder) - Mario Vélez, Gallery Elena Shchukina, London,

September 22nd – November 3rd, 2016

Altitude Threads - MON Artis Award | Bolivia, London,

November 14th - December 12th, 2015

Algorithms - Alejandro Ospina, London,

February 20th - March 15th, 2015

Canonical, Nachev, The Portico, University College London, London

October 13th -19th, 2014

Abyssinian Dreams - Matilda Temperley, Burlington Lodge Studios, London

April 9th, 2014

Revelata - Milk and Steel and Ansuman Biswas,  Edison House, London,

October 18th – November 10th, 2013

Aqualibrium -  Oliver Barnett, Edison House, London,

September 13th- October 3rd, 2013

Deliquescence - Henry Bruce, Edison House,  London,

May 24th- July 1st, 2013

After the Void - Group Show, London, Edison House London

11th April, 2013

Transmutation - Group Show, Hoxton Gallery, London,

November 21st- December 4th, 2012

Photo Off,  La Bellevilloise, Paris,

November 15th, 2012