Tairone Bastien
Tairone Bastien is the Programming Director for Alserkal Avenue, establishing a program dedicated to supporting dialogue and production of performance, public art and social practice by emerging and mid-career artists living and working in the MENASA region. From 2011-2014 Tairone was Head of Public Engagement for TCA Abu Dhabi where he shaped the public engagement strategy and programs for the future museums of Saadiyat Island, as well as programming for Abu Dhabi Art and exhibitions at Manarat Al Saadiyat. Before moving to the UAE Tairone was Curator for Performa in New York from 2005-2010, where he organized performances, public artist commissions and interventions throughout the the city, and coordinated with over 30 leading NY arts institutions as part of the first three Performa biennials. Born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, Tairone has a BA in Art History from the University of British Columbia and an MA in Curating from the Center for Curatorial Studies, Bard College, New York.