DIANE ABELA
Diane Abela is Gurr John’s Consultant for the Middle East, working with both private and institutional clients in the region.
She is on the board of APEAL (the Association for the Promotion and Exhibition of the Arts in Lebanon).
A passionate advocate of environment and wildlife preservation, she is also an ambassador of the World Land Trust, an international conservation charity which protects the world’s most biologically important and threatened habitats.
If there was one piece of art you could feature in, which would it be and why?
I would love to feature in Andy Warhol portrait. Warhol’s portraits are iconic, just as the people he painted.
Andy Warhol’s Factory was much more than just his studio, it was a place for those at the forefront of art, music, film and fashion to gather, creating an unrivaled atmosphere full of creativity, innovation and experimentation. Warhol and the artists who met there, were always pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. Their influence can still be felt today.
Who inspires you and why? An artist, a family member, someone current or historical?
The Lebanese people inspire me because they embrace life and are amazingly resilient. They unfalteringly persevere in exploring new horizons and pursuing their dreams.
What are your cultural aspirations? What do you still want to see, do and achieve?
As a member of the board of the Association for the Promotion and Exhibition of the Arts in Lebanon (APEAL) I feel very privileged to support its mission to back the artistic community and growing museum landscape in Lebanon.
A vital part of APEAL’s mission is “A Museum in the Making”, with the goal of creating a non-profit museum.
I would also like to be a more active player in the development of the art scene in the Middle East.
What are your favourite cultural cities in the world and why?
London is an infinitely fascinating, interesting and inspiring place. It is a melting pot of cultures, arts and creativity, as well as being steeped in history.
What are you up to at the moment and where can we find it?
APEAL's 'Museum in the Making' project http://www.apeal-lb.org/Default.aspx?pageid=317