Prof. Thomas Girst (Global Head of Cultural Engagement, BMW Group): in conversation

Professor Thomas Girst, PhD, studied Art History, American Studies and German Literature at Hamburg University and New York University. Between 1995 and 2003 he was Head of the Art Science Research Laboratory in New York under the directorship of Stephen Jay Gould (Harvard University). Since 2003, he has been the Global Head of Cultural Engagement at the BMW Group while also lecturing at various international universities. In 2016, Girst received the “European Cultural Manager of the Year” award. His books have been translated into numerous languages and most recently include Art, Literature, and the Japanese American Internment, The Duchamp Dictionary, BMW Art Cars, 100 Secrets of the Art World, and Alle Zeit der Welt. His upcoming book, Cultural Management: A Global Guide, will be published by Thames & Hudson in 2023. lael@zhaw.ch