Carla Caputo serves as a senior vice president and art collections manager within Citi Wealth's Art Advisory group, an arm of the private bank dedicated to assisting ultra-high-net-worth clients in managing their art assets. Prior to joining Citi in 2023, she built extensive experience working at prestigious institutions such as the Guggenheim Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. In this capacity, she functions predominantly as a high-level project manager, orchestrating the multiple facets involved in handling and installing art collections for Citi's clientele.
Caputo describes her role as multifaceted, ranging from facilitating loans of artworks to museums, preparing detailed condition reports, to managing complex installations in clients’ residences or offices. Once clients acquire artwork through galleries or auctions, the process of integrating these pieces into their private spaces begins—a task that is often intricate and financially demanding.
The logistics of transporting valuable art pieces require meticulous coordination. Caputo is responsible for liaising with registrars and shipping specialists to arrange secure and appropriate transport. Key considerations include whether the artwork is already encased in protective crates or equipped with travel frames, and deciding the mode of transport. Some pieces meet size and weight limitations allowing them to travel on passenger flights, whereas others necessitate freight shipping. For freight shipments, she must also plan how to move the artwork to the nearest major hub capable of handling such cargo and determine the most suitable route.
Beyond transport, Caputo oversees the art’s delivery to the client’s premises, orchestrating careful pickup, unpacking, and sometimes retrieval of artworks. Questions arise regarding the retention or disposal of protective crates, and when kept, their secure storage must be arranged. She also assesses the physical requirements of display areas, paying particular attention to the weight of the artwork; sometimes walls require reinforcement to safely bear heavy pieces.
The installation phase demands collaboration with a variety of specialized professionals, including house managers, art conservators, furniture movers, and fine art shippers. Although Caputo enjoys the opportunity to observe diverse and exquisite art collections within clients’ homes, she recognizes the substantial responsibility inherent in accessing these private environments. There are established protocols and precautions she consistently follows.
Among the strict personal guidelines Caputo observes is cautious management of personal belongings. When carrying items like an iPad or similar devices, she avoids setting them down arbitrarily due to the challenge of distinguishing furniture from delicate artworks. Moreover, she ensures that nothing such as keys or tools hangs from her person to prevent accidental contact or damage. Correspondingly, she instructs art handlers to remove items like tape measures from their belts during installations.
Shoe protocols are also essential; Caputo removes her shoes or uses protective shoe covers when entering clients’ spaces. While some appointments occur without the client present, facilitating a quicker process, she remains committed to efficient visits. Large or obstructive furniture pieces occasionally necessitate hiring professional movers to ensure the safe and effective installation of artworks, such as when managing a significant stone table obstructing access.
Caputo’s responsibilities extend to environmental considerations important for art preservation. She has identified occasions where room temperatures were excessive, prompting her to advise clients to monitor climate conditions closely, as heat can adversely affect certain artworks. Exposure to natural light is another factor; hence, she sometimes recommends installing window shades to mitigate damage from sunlight. She has also supported clients in upgrading to more energy-efficient lighting solutions that emit lower levels of heat, thereby contributing to the long-term protection of their collections.
The role demands meeting the high expectations of Citi’s clientele. Caputo acknowledges the pressures experienced by their bankers but emphasizes that working within clients’ homes and offices—adhering to stringent protocols—is fundamental to cultivating and maintaining strong, trust-based relationships between the advisory team and their patrons.