Mission
We are committed to democratizing the art world by connecting collectors, galleries, and the next generation of Latin American artists, promoting accessibility, fairness, and inclusivity for all parties involved.
Catalysta
A new way to discover, connect with and collect Latin American art.
Our perspective
“I believe the art we choose to buy and display in our personal space says as much about the artist as it does about ourselves. The network of connections that was once unique to the artwork and its creator expands to include us and our stories.” Valerie C Brugal – Founder
Who we are
Founded in 2020, Catalysta is a vibrant art platform devoted to showcasing a carefully curated selection of works exclusively crafted by artists from Latin America. Our digital space is designed to facilitate the connection between artists and galleries seeking to expand their reach and potential buyers searching for new talent.
Today, Catalysta extends its online presence through a variety of complementary in-person events such as pop-up exhibitions, art fair displays, and collaborations with traditional galleries, we continue to foster the careers of Catalysta artists and help position their work in prestigious private collections, while also enriching our community of creatives and art enthusiasts.
Mission
We are committed to democratizing the art world by connecting collectors, galleries, and the next generation of Latin American artists, promoting accessibility, fairness, and inclusivity for all parties involved.
Vision
We aim to become the leading global platform for discovering, acquiring, and learning about art from Latin American artists, creating a more equitable environment and opportunity for the artists themselves.
Our values
01
Our primary focus is to enhance the global presence of Latin American artists. In a rapidly growing digital art market, creating a platform uniquely devoted to promoting the region’s talent is necessary to address and mitigate the representation gap in the arts.
02

Founder
Founder
Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Valerie is the visionary founder behind Catalysta. After years of managing museum and private collections and collecting art herself, Valerie cultivated an interest in Latin American art and a keen eye for emerging trends in the market. She acquired a unique ability to identify artists whose works resonated with local and regional sensibilities while prioritizing artistic innovation.
Valerie’s immersion in the art world brought to light two significant challenges: the hurdles many young collectors face in navigating the art industry and the underrepresentation of Latin American artists in the mainstream art market. These observations fueled her entrepreneurial commitment to create a platform that would address these issues. And so, in 2020, Catalysta was born, a unique venture dedicated to enabling the discovery and acquisition of art by emerging and up-and-coming artists from Latin America.
Valerie holds an MA in Art Business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art in New York and a graduate certificate in Museum Studies from Florida International University in Miami. She has been interviewed in local and international press and has participated as a guest in live-streamed panels and podcasts, sharing her views on the intersection of art, commerce, and technology.
Beyond the platform

01

02
Discover. Connect. Collect.
We place a strong emphasis on artistic quality and innovation. The works featured on our platform reflect a balance between honoring cultural and geographical nuances and embracing forward-thinking creativity.
03
Through our integrated approach, we strive to build a network of people who share an interest in Latin American art, offering spaces—both online and offline—for discussing artists, market trends, artworks, and other relevant topics.
04
We work toward bridging the relationship between Catalysta artists and collectors to ensure that every acquisition made through our platform follows an informed decision.

03
© 2026 Catalysta