Berlin-based contemporary art dealer and curator, director of the well-known Peres Projects, initiator of events, shows and meeting places for artists and art lovers Margherita Belaief's multiple activities often take her to various parts of the world. But the place where she was born, a small medieval Italian town called Panicale (in Umbria), is still essentially important to her. One of her future plans is to create an annual contemporary art event in that area. Get to know more about her roots, influences and projects...

Could you please tell us more about your background? How did you start working with Peres Projects?

My mother is Italian and my father is American. He moved to Italy to study Italian and art history in the 70’s and never went back (good for him). I was brought up with both cultures but I feel more Italian than American. I graduated in International Relations in 2002, moved afterwards to Milan because my boyfriend at the time was living there and I thought it would be a good place to start something. I knew I wanted to work in the arts and by a funny coincidence I ended up working for the collector Giuseppe Iannaccone. He was my introduction to the art world. After two years of working with him I had a short experience at Flash Art magazine, after which I decided I wanted to experience something abroad. I ended up in New York working for Gavin Brown’s enterprise. The city and the gallery were excellent teachers but after a couple of years I felt the need to come back to the old continent. During my time in New York I had met Javier Peres, who then offered me the job at Peres Projects in Berlin.