In today’s fast-changing world of art and culture, few individuals shine as brightly as Mariame Farqane, the inspiring Founder and CEO of PallasArts. With a strong academic background in Medieval Spanish history and a deep commitment to fostering cross-cultural connections, Mariame has created a global platform that blends fine art with investment, innovation, and international conversation.
Recognized as one of The 10 Most Admired Women Leaders in Business, 2025, Mariame continues to lead with vision, creativity, and purpose—bridging worlds and shaping the future of art and business.
A Scholar’s Path to Global Leadership
Mariame’s academic background is grounded in the study of history, with a particular emphasis on Medieval Spain—a field that greatly shaped her understanding of cross-cultural exchange. Her strong interest in how civilizations, especially the Islamic and Christian worlds, influenced art and culture laid the foundation for her professional path. Over time, the versatile leader developed a deep and balanced understanding of both Western and Eastern cultures, allowing her to bridge these worlds within the international art market.
Her professional journey began with a genuine passion for the arts and a clear ambition to create a platform that would support artists and encourage global cultural dialogue. The inspiration for PallasArts came in 2015 during Mariame’s visit to the Rubens and His Legacy exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. This moment sparked the vision for PallasArts—a space where both emerging and established artists could connect with international audiences in meaningful ways.
The versatile leader’s drive to lead is rooted in her belief that art is a powerful catalyst for social change. Through her role as a business leader, she is committed to expanding the global reach and influence of art as a force for cultural enrichment and positive transformation.
PallasArts: A Global Platform for Art and Innovation
PallasArts is a dynamic art brokerage firm that offers a broad range of specialized services designed to support the buying, selling, and exhibition of fine art. The firm collaborates with leading museums and institutions worldwide to curate and deliver high-caliber exhibitions. In addition to traditional art transactions, PallasArts provides tailored art consulting, conservation expertise, and an art leasing platform that allows clients to enjoy artworks without committing to full ownership.
Among its innovative offerings is the PallasFund—an investment fund that enables investors to explore art as an alternative asset class. With its comprehensive services, PallasArts caters to a global clientele, including private collectors, corporations, and institutions, delivering personalized solutions that deepen their engagement with the art world.
Leading with Vision and Purpose
As CEO, Mariame is deeply involved in every facet of the business. From guiding strategic initiatives to managing global operations and artist relations, her role is all-encompassing. A major milestone came in 2020 when PallasArts relocated its headquarters to Switzerland—placing the firm at the epicenter of the global art market.
Other landmark achievements include the international expansion of curated exhibitions and the successful launch of the PallasFund. These initiatives have not only diversified PallasArts’ offerings but also solidified its position as a market leader.
Facing Challenges with Cultural Conviction
Being at the helm of a global art firm is not without its hurdles. Mariame navigates complexities ranging from geopolitical instability to evolving client expectations. Yet her motivation remains unwavering. For her, art is more than a commodity—it is a bridge between cultures and a force for unity. This belief, coupled with a desire to continually push boundaries, keeps her motivated to lead with courage and clarity in a constantly shifting landscape.
Fostering a Culture of Creativity
The strength of PallasArts lies in its team—a diverse group of professionals united by a shared passion for art and innovation. Under Mariame’s leadership, the firm fosters a culture of transparency, freedom, and purpose. Her leadership style also empowers team members to take initiative, explore new ideas, and work toward a greater mission.
Recent developments like PallasRecords, PallasCine, and the expansion of the PallasFund exemplify the firm’s ongoing innovation. Regular global travel and exposure to international markets further fuel the team’s creative energy and collaborative spirit.
Leadership Rooted in Values
Mariame describes her leadership style as one of decisiveness, vision, and consistency. She’s a firm believer in leading by example and ensuring that every decision aligns with the firm’s long-term values. Her mantra—”Lead with clarity, act with purpose, and innovate relentlessly”—is embedded in the firm’s ethos and daily operations.
Looking Ahead: Expansion and Cross-Sector Innovation
The future of PallasArts is bold and expansive. In 2025/2026, the firm plans to deepen its presence in emerging markets while continuing to grow the PallasFund. New offices in Asia and Latin America are already on the horizon.
One of the most exciting new ventures is AstArte, a brand co-founded by Mariame and her partners Elias, Alain, and Hekmat from Lebanon. Named after the ancient Phoenician goddess of wisdom and culture, AstArte fuses luxury dining, art, entertainment, and technology into a single immersive experience. The first location in Málaga, Spain, marks the beginning of a global expansion that aims to reshape cultural engagement.
The Evolving Art Market
Mariame sees the current art landscape as one of rapid transformation. Globalization and digital innovation have reshaped how art is created, shared, and valued. While the growing middle class and emerging markets offer new opportunities, the pace of change demands constant adaptation.
With its global network and hybrid business model, PallasArts is uniquely positioned to thrive in this environment—serving as a conduit between artists, collectors, and institutions across borders.
Building Bridges, Not Just Businesses
At its core, PallasArts operates on relationships—long-term partnerships built on trust, shared vision, and cultural exchange. By combining traditional brokerage with innovative services, the firm has become a dynamic player in the global art scene. Its presence in countries like Qatar, Switzerland, Mexico, and Morocco reflects its commitment to global impact.
Special Message for Readers
Mariame’s message to readers is simple yet profound: “Embrace the power of art to transform not only your own life but also the world around you.” In a world that often feels fragmented, her work stands as a powerful reminder that art can unite us, challenge us, and illuminate the shared stories that connect us all.