A KEY figure in the success of Glasgow's contemporary culture scene has been named as one of the most powerful people in the international arts world.

Toby Webster, who runs The Modern Institute, a gallery which also represents a group of leading Scottish artists, has been given an improved position in the Art Review Power 100.

In the past 12 months, he has moved up 11 places to 51, above artists such as Jeff Koons and Steve McQueen.

Mr Webster has long been considered one of the key movers in the art scene.

His company represents Martin Boyce, who won the Turner Prize in 2011, Richard Wright, winner in 2009, and Simon Starling, who picked up the prestigious contemporary art prize in 2005.

Other notable artists represented by The Modern Institute include Jim Lambie, Toby Paterson and Jeremy Deller – whose large 'bouncy Stonehenge' work, Sacrilege, was a hit earlier this year on Glasgow Green.

Luke Fowler, the Glasgow-based artist and film maker who is in the running for this year's Turner Prize, is also represented by Mr Webster.

Last night Mr Webster, whose first show was staged in his Glasgow flat, said: "I think the word power in this context is a bit odd and not very creative.

"The rise on the list really reflects the careers of the artists and the standing of the gallery internationally of which I am very proud. This is of course due to the high calibre of artists we show and the creativity and professionalism of all the staff who run The Modern Institute.

"Glasgow is a fantastic place and I hope that it brings attention to the city and the brilliant artist community here."

This year's top position is taken by the influential American curator Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev.

She was the curator of this year's Documenta, a significant art exhibition, which takes place in Kassel, Germany, every five years.

Larry Gagosian, routinely described as "the most powerful art dealer in the world", is at number two. Controversial British artist Damien Hirst is 41st.