Diallo Simon-Ponte

With a diverse background in curatorial practice and gallery management, Diallo Simon-Ponte is an emerging leader in the contemporary art community. His creative practice is compelled by an exploration of the transatlantic African diaspora as an active and transitional force—approached as a verb—across disciplines. Simon-Ponte is the Founding Curatorial Director of the Limbo Museum in Accra, Ghana, a new cultural institution that labors at the intersection of social sculpture, architecture, art, community, research, and ruin. Previously, he worked at Gagosian Gallery, New York, where he contributed to exhibitions for renowned artists such as Derrick Adams, Rick Lowe, and Lauren Halsey. He has also curated and assisted in exhibitions globally, including in New York, London, and Accra, Ghana. His expertise in artist relations, curatorial research, and exhibition management—paired with his deep appreciation for community-oriented artmaking— positions him to play a key role in shaping the Gilliam Visiting Artist Program. Simon-Ponte steps into his new role at the Speed next month. “I am honored to join the Speed Art Museum in this new capacity,” said Simon-Ponte. “Sam Gilliam’s contributions to the art world, particularly his support of artists from Louisville, have shaped so much of what the Speed represents today. I am excited to further this legacy by creating new platforms for artists to engage with the community and inspire meaningful creative conversations.”

Photographer credit Aaron Laserna