Selection Committee 2025

Mamadou-Abou Sarr is an international financier, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He is the co-founder and President of V-Square Quantitative Management, a Chicago-based investment firm specializing in quantitative investing. Beyond finance, Mamadou is deeply engaged in philanthropy and civic leadership, serving on the boards of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, and the Nature Conservancy Illinois Chapter, among others. He is also the co-founder of the Sarr Prize, established in partnership with Les Beaux-Arts and Villa Albertine to support artistic excellence. In recognition of his contributions to the arts, the French government honored him as a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters (Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres) in 2022.

Eve Therond is an independent art advisor, writer, and curator based in New York, with a distinctive expertise in contemporary African art and its diasporas. Over the past 15 years, she has established herself as a trusted voice in the art world, blending her journalistic background with a keen intuition to identify outstanding artists and curate distinguished art collections worldwide. She has played a key role in the development of the Sindika Dokolo Collection, one of the most prominent collections of African art. She previously co-founded and served as editor-in-chief of Whitewall, a leading contemporary art magazine, further solidifying a reputation for connecting artists, collectors, and cultural institutions. Her work reflects a deep commitment to championing cultural diversity, and empowering underrepresented voices in the creative industry.

Andy Amadi Okoroafor is from “Alaigbo” Igbo land, southeast of Nigeria. He pursued his film education and a successful creative career in Paris, France. He is an acclaimed Creative Director with a diverse clientele spanning art, automobiles, fashion, festivals, music, and collaborations with international organizations like the United Nations. Andy Amadi has written, directed, and produced a wide range of film works, including art films, documentaries, feature films, fashion films, TV programs, and music videos. His work has been showcased across the globe. He is the Creative Director of Africa Day at the Zushi Beach Film Festival in Japan. He is also the founder of Clam Studio, Clamlab, and Clam Magazine, as well as the co- founder of Clam-Kyoto art exhibitions and events. Andy Amadi Okoroafor has been a TED Fellow since 1999.