SCOPE Art Show, the leading incubator for innovation and creativity in contemporary art, today announced the expansion of its leadership team, signaling a new era of growth for the global art fair. Hayley River Smith has been appointed SCOPE’s first-ever Director. Inaugurating two more newly created roles are Michael Papadeas, most recently a lead on partnerships for Endeavor and Frieze, who has been appointed Head of Strategy and Partnerships, and Tatiana Zancajo, who has been appointed Client Experience Manager.
Effective immediately, these pivotal appointments position SCOPE to build on its decades-long legacy as a hub for collaboration, inclusivity, and cultural engagement, as the fair looks ahead to its 23rd Miami Beach edition this December. The most-visited fair during Miami Art Week, SCOPE Miami Beach welcomes over 100,000 visitors each year to its signature bespoke pavilion at Ocean Drive and 8th Street. The 2024 presentation will spotlight over 100 exhibitors from Tuesday, December 3 through Sunday, December 8, 2024.
Smith added, “I’m thrilled to lead SCOPE Art Show into its next chapter, as our team collectively pushes the boundaries of creative expression, deepens community involvement, and engages with art in transformative ways. As a trailblazer in the realm of contemporary art, SCOPE Art Show stands poised to build upon its incredible history of global and diverse programming, offering collectors and the public the chance to discover up-and-coming artists and galleries from around the world.”
Smith will work closely with Hubshman on programming strategy and execution, as well as stakeholder and visitor engagement, as the organization expands its impact within art communities internationally. In this new role, Smith—in partnership with Hubshman—will spearhead SCOPE’s expanded Curatorial Advisory Program, a team of established art professionals and curators from international markets that advocate for and engage with galleries in the lead-up to and during the annual shows. The program facilitates cultivation between SCOPE participants and its wider network, and offers new perspectives through which audiences can experience the fair’s programming. Prior to her appointment as Director, Smith served as SCOPE’s Head of Communications, overseeing all aspects of the fair’s external relations including the VIP program and sponsorships. In 2023, she established the Pérez Art Museum Acquisition Prize, through which one work on view at the Miami fair is acquired by the PAMM for their permanent collection. Smith’s experience also includes roles in luxury at brands including The RealReal.
A veteran of more than 20 years in the arts and culture sector, Papadeas will focus on creative strategy and brand development, enabling the SCOPE platform to expand its reach and impact. He will lead all partnerships, advise on special projects and programming, and create key visitor experience highlights for the Miami show. Papadeas brings expertise from working with numerous art fairs and cultural organizations, including Frieze, Independent, and Untitled, and New York Fashion Week, as well as brands such as LIFEWTR, Chase Sapphire, Marriott Luxury Group, and American Express.
In the newly created role of Client Experience Manager, Zancajo—who has a background in corporate consulting at Accenture and also previously worked on the digital communications team at Independent Art Fair—will collaborate with stakeholders across the organization to enhance exhibitor and visitor experiences and will optimize external systems to deepen engagement with existing and new audiences.