Dasha Zhukova given Leo Castelli award

Dasha Zhukova, has been awarded the 2012 Leo Award by the Independent Curators International. The award is named after legendary art dealer Leo Castelli and honours the achievements of ground-breaking figures in contemporary art. Zhukova is recognised for her “pioneering and forward-thinking approach to conceiving of and building new institutions and creating international opportunities for artists and curators."

Zhukova is the founder of the  Garage: Center for Contemporary Culture in Moscow and editor-in-chief of Garage magazine. She recently announced that Garage, a Kunsthalle-like exhibition space, would be redesigned by Rem Koolhaas. Her partner, business tycoon and owner of Chelsea FC Roman Abramovich is currently building an art island in St Petersburg with her help. Previous recipients of the Leo Award include Dorothy and Roy Lichtenstein, Chuck Close, Christo & Jeanne-Claude and John Waters. The award will be presented in November.