Naples Art Institute occupies the northwest quadrant of Cambier Park in downtown Naples.”/>
WGCU Arts Reporter Tom Hall
Naples, FL – The Naples Art Institute has announced the appointment of Dr.Bruno Verpoorten as its Executive Director and Chief Curator, effective immediately. The move signals a new chapter for the Institute, which is situated within Cambier Park in downtown Naples.
Verpoorten brings over 25 years of experience in curatorial and artistic leadership from museums across the United States and Europe. He previously served as Director and Chief Curator of The Baker Museum at Artis-Naples for seven years, where he focused on expanding the museumS permanent collection and elevating its reputation through distinctive exhibitions. During his tenure at Artis-Naples, Verpoorten oversaw notable fundraising efforts, securing donations, art gifts, endowment support, and exhibition sponsorships.
Before joining Artis-Naples, Verpoorten held several key positions in New York City. From 2009 to 2012,he was the Culture Attaché at flanders House,promoting Flemish arts and culture. He also served as Director of Visual Arts and Exhibitions Curator at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and the Newhouse Center for Contemporary art from 2005 to 2009, and as Curator at the dahesh Museum of Art from 2002 to 2005.
Verpoorten’s academic background includes studies at the Ph.D. Program in Art History at the City University of New York. He holds dual master’s degrees in Cultural Studies and Art History from Vrije Universiteit Brussels,Belgium.
The Naples Art Institute, a cornerstone of the city’s arts scene, provides exhibitions, education programs, and community engagement opportunities. The Institute’s location within Cambier Park makes it a central hub for artistic activity in Naples.
Support for WGCU’s arts & culture reporting comes from the Estate of Myra Janco Daniels, the Charles M. and Joan R.Taylor Foundation, and Naomi Bloom in loving memory of her husband, Ron Wallace.
