CULTURE TYPE reports on new appointments of Black curators and arts leaders to gauge institutional representation, with an emphasis on art museums. Museum leaders, curators, and educators shape the management and intellectual direction of institutions, determine the art visitors see and the programming they experience and, by extension, whether audiences of color feel welcome and represented
Clockwise, from top left, Kristina Newman-Scott, Knight Foundation; Ann Collins Smith, New Orleans Museum of Art; Erin Harkey, Americans for the Arts; Solomon Salim Moore, Benton Museum of Art; Tandazani Dhlakama, Royal Ontario Museum; Vincent van Velsen, Eye Filmmuseum; Gwendolyn Pointer, BRIC; Taylor Jackson, Houston Arts Alliance
THE CULTURE TYPE ANNUAL LIST of new appointments among museum curators and arts leaders is divided into two parts. This is the first installment for 2025, focusing on staffing announcements generally made over the past six months, from January through June.
This year, new hires at art museums and other prominent nonprofit arts organizations have occurred during extremely troubling times. The past several months in the United States have been chaotic in terms of the economy, immigration enforcement, international relations, and on innumerable other fronts in the wake of executive orders issued by the Trump administration, actions that ignore the Constitution, democratic standards, and basic humanity. Unprecedented efforts by the White House to dismantle the federal government have been particularly harmful and have negatively impacted the arts and culture sector nationwide.
The National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities have endured personnel cuts and grant cancellations. Leadership at the Smithsonian Institution, Library of Congress, and John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has been targeted. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is under threat of elimination. This week, at the behest of the White House, Congress is debating a bill that would claw back $1.1 billion already allocated over the next two years for the Corporation of Public Broadcasting, which funds PBS and NPR.
In this tenuous climate, important new leadership appointments at the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and Americans for the Arts highlight the critical role of foundations and other like-minded institutions in funding museum exhibitions and curatorial opportunities and providing reliable and strategic support for artists, art workers, arts programs, and nonprofit arts organizations.
Culture Type’s latest list also features notable curatorial announcements, including the addition of Alisa Chiles as decorative arts curator at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, Va.; Brittany Webb as curator of modern and contemporary Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Vincent van Velsen, who is head of exhibitions at Eye Filmmuseum in Amsterdam; and Ann Collins Smith, who joined the New Orleans Museum of Art as chief curator, the first Black American to serve in any full-time curatorial role in the museum’s history.
Presented below, Culture Type’s list of new appointments made in the first half of 2025 features two dozen new hires and promotions, including a few international annoucements. The list is arranged according to the announcement dates. (The list is not comprehensive, but it is representative):
JANUARY
Deana Haggag. | Photo: Camila Falquez for Mellon Foundation
Deanna Haggag, Program Director, Arts and Culture. | Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, New York, N.Y.
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation promoted Deanna Haggag to program director for arts and culture. The announcement was made in December, effective Jan. 1, 2025. The Mellon Foundation describes itself as the largest funder of the arts and humanities in the nation. In 2024, Mellon distributed $540 million in grants. The foundation supports an array of arts and museum programs, including curatorial fellowships, museum exhibitions, museum leadership, LatinX art in museums, public monuments, and the recent L.A. Arts Community Fire Relief Fund for artists and arts workers. In 2021, Haggag joined Mellon as program officer for arts and culture and during her tenure has helped to refine the grantmaking strategy, expanding the lens on small- and mid-sized organizations, new grantees, and resources for preserving the legacies of individual artists. Prior to Mellon, Haggag served as president and CEO of United States Artists (USA), which is based in Chicago. A Mellon grantee, USA’s key annual program awards $50,000 unrestricted grants to 50 artists across disciplines. Earlier, Haggag was executive director of The Contemporary, a nomadic, non-collecting museum in Baltimore.
Alisa Chiles. | Photo by Sandra Sellars, © 2024 Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Alisa Chiles, Curator of Decorative Arts. | Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, Va.
Alisa Chiles recently joined the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) as Sydney and Francis Lewis Curator of Decorative Arts, 1890 to the Present. Previously, Chiles served as assistant curator of European Decorative Arts and Sculpture at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (2021-25) and spent six years in the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. VMFA’s Decorative Arts department includes more than 3,100 objects spanning furniture, ceramics, glass, works on paper, jewelry, and metalworks. The collection features “the finest holdings of Art Nouveau and Art Deco outside of Paris” and a Fabergé collection “considered the most important outside of Russia,” according to the museum. Chiles specializes in Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Her appointment at VMFA was announced Jan. 9 and she officially started on Jan. 10.
Kristina Newman-Scott. | Courtesy Knight Foundation
Kristina Newman-Scott, Vice President for Arts. | John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Miami, Fla.
On Jan. 14, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation announced the appointment of Kristina Newman-Scott as vice president for arts. She started in January. According to the announcement, Knight has invested more $400 million in artists and arts organizations since 2005. Newman-Scott oversees and advances the foundation’s funding strategies nationally and locally in eight “Knight cities.” She brings two decades of experience to the role. Most recently, Newman-Scott was inaugural executive director of the Jerome L. Greene Performance Art Space at New York Public Radio/WNYC (2022-24). Prior positions include president of BRIC, the arts and media organization in Brooklyn, N.Y. (2018-21), and director of culture for the State of Connecticut (2015-18). In addition, she is chair of The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) Advisory Commission and Board Secretary of Americans for the Arts (AFTA), where she co-chaired the AFTA CEO search that led to the appointment of Erin Harkey.
“I’ve worked across every corner of the art world, from practicing artist to curator to administrator, and I bring a multidisciplinary approach that meets arts organizations and artists where they’re at in their journey. I’m thrilled to join an organization with a clear devotion to this work and such a rich history of results. I look forward to building on Knight Foundation’s incredible legacy.” — Kristina Newman-Scott
Solomon Salim Moore. | Photo by Travis Khachatoorian, Courtesy Benton Museum of Art
Solomon Salim Moore, Academic Curator. | Benton Museum of Art, Pomona College, Claremont, Calif.
Solomon Salim Moore was named academic curator at the Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College. Moore officially started in the role when the spring semester began on Jan. 20. The appointment was announced Jan. 22. Working closely with faculty, he manages academic programs, facilitates class visits from Pomona College and the Claremont Colleges consortium, and directs the museum’s internship program. The new position is a promotion. Since 2020, Moore had served as assistant curator of collections. Before joining the Benton Museum of Art, he was a curatorial assistant in the Department of Prints and Drawings at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Martin Kimani. | Photo by Rashawn Austin for The Africa Center
Martin Kimani, President and CEO. | The Africa Center, New York, N.Y.
On Jan. 27, The Africa Center in New York, announced the appointment of Martin Kimani as president and CEO. He assumed the role on Jan. 21. The center is a nexus for understanding and engaging contemporary Africa across art, culture, commerce, and policy. Kimani joined The Africa Center from New York University’s Center on International Cooperation, where he had served as executive director since June 2024, and remains a distinguished fellow. Previously, Kimani was permanent representative of Kenya to the United Nations (2021-24).
Vincent van Velsen. | Photo: Lonneke van der Palen
Vincent van Velsen, Head of Exhibitions. | Eye Filmmuseum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Vincent van Velsen is the new head of exhibitions at Eye Filmmuseum in Amsterdam. The appointment was announced Jan. 28. He started Feb. 1. Van Velsen is a curator, writer, and editor with a background in art and architectural history. He joined Eye Filmmuseum from Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, where he had been curator of contemporary art and photography since 2021. In earlier roles, he was on the curatorial team at sonsbeek20→24, board member at De Appel Amsterdam, and member of the Amsterdam Municipal Curatorial Advisory Committee (Stadscuratorium). He has also been an independent curator, organizing exhibitions at several European institutions. At Eye, van Velsen is currently responsible for exhibitions of Eye Prize winner Garrett Bradley and Tilda Swinton.
Margie Johnson Reese. | Photo: Beth Fornuto Photography
Margie Johnson Reese, Interim Executive Director. | African American Museum of Dallas in Dallas, Texas
Margie Johnson Reese served as interim executive director of the African American Museum of Dallas (AAMD) in the wake of the retirement of Harry Robinson Jr. Now president and CEO emeritus, Robinson founded the museum in 1974 and led the institution for more than 50 years. He stepped down in December 2024. The appointment of Reese was announced at the end of January. She brought 45 years of arts management and advocacy to the role. As a consultant for more than 15 years, Reese worked with the Dallas Opera, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Dallas Museum of Natural History, City of Austin, and Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture in Texas. Earlier, she served as director of cultural affairs for the City of Dallas (1995-2001); general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (2001-06); and program officer at the Ford Foundation, overseeing media, arts, and culture grants in West Africa (2006-09). The search for a permanent leader of the African American Museum of Dallas concluded recently. At the end of June, AAMD named Lisa Brown Ross as president and CEO, effective July 27.
“My goal, more so than vision, is to hand over a healthier organization… that’s ready to take on the vision of the new CEO that will be selected by the board.” — Margie Johnson Reese
FEBRUARY
Erin Harkey. | Courtesy Americans for the Arts
Erin Harkey, Chief Executive Officer. | Americans for the Arts, Washington, D.C.
On Feb. 5, Americans for the Arts (AFTA) in Washington, D.C., announced its next CEO would be Erin Harkey. She officially started on March 24. Harkey brings two decades of experience to the role. She joined AFTA from the Bronzeville Center for the Arts (BCA) in Milwaukee, Wisc., where she was executive director. Previously, Harkey was with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), where she was deputy commissioner for programming (2016-21) and commissioner (2021-24), serving in a dual role as senior policy advisor for arts in culture in the mayor’s office. Earlier, she worked in California with the Los Angeles County Arts Commission and Arts Council for Long Beach. A national nonprofit supported by individuals, foundations, and corporations, AFTA’s mission is “to build recognition and support for the extraordinary and dynamic value of the arts and to lead, serve, and advance the diverse networks of organizations and individuals who cultivate the arts” in local communities throughout America. AFTA is affiliated with the Arts Action Fund, which lobbies directly for federal funding, policy, and bipartisan support for the arts.
“I am honored to lead this historic institution at such a pivotal moment for arts and culture in America.” — Erin Harkey
Anne Collins Smith. | Photo by Taylor Hunter, Courtesy New Orleans Museum of Art
Anne Collins Smith, Chief Curator. | New Orleans Museum of Art, New Orleans, La.
The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) announced the appointment of a new chief curator on Feb. 11, several months after the role was filled. Ann Collins Smith heads the museum’s entire curatorial department, managing a team of curators, conservators, and collections staff. A native of New Orleans, Smith joined NOMA in September 2024 from Xavier University, where she served for three years as director of the Xavier University of Louisiana Art Gallery on the campus of the New Orleans HBCU. Previously, Smith spent two decades at Spelman College Museum of Fine Art in Atlanta, Ga., where she was curator of collections (2003-22) at the campus museum of another HBCU, her alma mater. Her role at NOMA is historic. Smith is the first Black person to head NOMA’s curatorial department and the first Black American to serve in any full-time curatorial role in the museum’s history.
Taylor Jackson. | Courtesy Houston Arts Alliance
Taylor Jackson, Chief Executive Officer. | Houston Arts Alliance, Houston, Texas
The board of directors at the Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) unanimously selected Taylor Jackson as CEO. The appointment was announced Feb. 12. Her leadership is historic. Taylor is the first woman and first person of color to lead HAA since it was established in 2006. HAA implements the city of Houston’s vision for the arts through grant making and civic investments. Its work is overseen by the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. In February, HAA coordinated more than $14.7 million in annual city arts and culture grants awarded to individuals and nonprofit organizations. Taylor joined HAA as director of grants in March 2022 and has been serving as interim CEO since last year. Previously, she was executive director at Providence ¡CityArts! for Youth in Providence, R.I. (2020-22)
“I am honored to lead Houston Arts Alliance into its next chapter. This role presents a meaningful opportunity to strengthen how HAA supports and advocates for Houston’s remarkable and diverse arts and cultural sector. With our dedicated staff and a deepened collaboration with the City, we will continue championing a dynamic and thriving arts ecosystem for Houston.” — Taylor Jackson
Dana Loatman. | Photo: Ashley Mia
Dana Loatman, Executive Director. | Virgil Abloh Foundation, Chicago, Ill.
On Feb. 26, the Virgil Abloh Foundation announced the appointment of Dana Loatman as inaugural executive director. Loatman previously served as chief of staff for external affairs at the Obama Foundation (2016-24). The mission of the Virgil Abloh Foundation is to “advocate for greater equality and inclusion across creative industries and to support programs that meaningfully uplift communities of color.” The nonprofit organization was created by Sharon Abloh in 2021 after the death of her husband, Virgil Abloh (1980-2021). An artist, designer, and architect, Abloh was founder of the fashion brand Off-White. He was also men’s artistic director at Louis Vuitton, the first Black person to serve in the role.
MARCH
Tandazani Dhlakama. | Photo: Lunghelo Mlati, Courtesy ROM
Tandazani Dhlakama, Curator of Global Africa. | Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Tandazani Dhlakama is the new curator of global Africa at the Royal Ontario Museum. She was tapped to “lead a collaborative approach to stewarding and reinterpreting Canada’s largest collection of African art and culture.” The appointment was announced March 4. She started in January. Over the past 15 years, Dhlakama has held multiple curatorial positions in South Africa and Zimbabwe, where she was born. She joined ROM from Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) in Cape Town, South Africa, where she rose from education manager to assistant curator and then curator (2017-24). Among her many projects at Zeitz MOCAA, Dhlakama co-curated the international traveling exhibition “When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting.” In prior roles, she was curator of education and public programming at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (2016-17) and co-curator of the 13th edition of Bamako Encounters, the African Biennale of Photography in Mali (2022).
“A curator with vast experience, a singular vision, and a truly international outlook… [Tandazani Dhlakama] will deepen ROM’s engagement with African art and culture, so that the Museum is even more representative of—and welcoming to—the many communities with African connections in Toronto and beyond.” — ROM Director and CEO Josh Basseches
Sheila McDaniel. | Courtesy IAAM
Sheila McDaniel, Chief Operating Officer. | International African American Museum, Charleston, S.C.
On March 25, the International African American Museum (IAAM) announced a critical leadership appointment. Sheila McDaniel was named COO, effective March 17. McDaniel has more than 30 years of experience in organizational performance, strategic planning, and operations at major museum institutions. Most recently, she was interim executive director at the Museum Association of New York (MANY). From 2020-24, she was administrator and COO at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Earlier, she spent 16 years at the Studio Museum in Harlem where she was deputy director of finance and operations.
“This museum is a powerful testament to the resilience and richness of African American history and culture. I look forward to working with the talented team at IAAM to ensure its continued success and impact.”
— Sheila McDaniel
Ethel-Ruth Tawe. | Photo: Ethel-Ruth Tawe
Ethel-Ruth Tawe, Editor-in-Chief. | Contemporary And Magazine, Berlin, Germany & Nairobi, Kenya
Ethel-Ruth Tawe is the new editor-in-chief of Contemporary And (C&). With a focus on contemporary visual art and artists from Africa and the global diaspora, the digital and print magazine is published in English and French. Based between London and Arusha, Tanzania, Tawe brings a broad array of experience to the role. A writer, editor, researcher, curator, and artist who works across text, image, and time-based media, she has an academic background in development studies and international human rights. Previously, Tawe served as editorial director of Africa 2.O Magazine (2019-22). She has contributed to publications such as the British Journal of Photography and BOMB Magazine and wrote for C& for the first time in 2021. The announcement said her talent includes “a powerful synthesis of critical thought, editorial sensibility, and multidimensional perspectives” and her “editorial work often centers questions of memory, language, and visual culture, offering incisive perspectives that challenge dominant narratives.” Tawe officially started in March and the appointment was announced March 31. Contemporary And is a multi-platform, women-founded brand comprising an editorial website, publications (including C& Magazine and C& América Latina Magazine), education programs, workshops focused on arts reporting and critical writing, mentoring for young art writers, and artist commissions.
“As an artist myself, I’m thinking about writing as an art form, a collage of words, synthesis of ideas and imagining otherwise. I am thinking about collective care as a methodology in stewarding this new chapter, alongside a stellar team and the inspiring artists, writers, and contributors we engage.” — Ethel-Ruth Tawe
APRIL
Diallo Simon-Ponte. | Photo by Aaron Laserna, Courtesy Speed Art Museum
Diallo Simon-Ponte, Assistant Curator. | Speed Art Museum, Louisville, Ky.
The Speed Art Museum welcomed Diallo Simon-Ponte as the inaugural Sam Gilliam Assistant Curator of Artist Programs. Simon-Ponte leads the Speed Museum’s new Sam Gilliam Visiting Artist Program. The inaugural visiting artists are vanessa german and Eric N. Mack. In October 2024, the museum established the program in collaboration with the Sam Gilliam Foundation. A widely celebrated abstract artist, Sam Gilliam (1933-2022) grew up in Louisville, Ky., where he attended the University of Louisville, earning a B.A., in fine art, and M.A., in painting. A writer and curator, Simon-Ponte brings artist engagement and exhibition management experience to his new role. Previously, he worked at Gagosian gallery in New York (2021-24), first as an assistant to director Antwaun Sargent, before being elevated to assistant artist liaison. Simon-Ponte officially started at the Speed in May. The appointment was announced April 17.
“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.” — Diallo Simon-Ponte
MAY
Kidogo A. Kennedy. | Courtesy LACMA
Kidogo A. Kennedy, Director of Academic Programs and Partnerships. | Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles, Calif.
Kidogo A. Kennedy was appointed director of academic programs and partnerships at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), effective in May. (There was no public announcement.) A native of Los Angeles, Kennedy brings more than two decades of experience to the role. She earned a doctorate in education from the University of Southern California (USC) and has taught at USC and California State University, Los Angeles (2005-25). She is also a writer and communications and education consultant. In her new role at LACMA, Kennedy is responsible for the museum’s fellowship programs and strategic collaborations with colleges, universities, and other academic institutions. Working with scholars, artists, and other professionals, she focuses on learning and what she calls “equitable engagement opportunities” with the museum’s permanent collection, research library, and public initiatives.
Shane Carter. | Courtesy TKAAM
Shane Carter, Executive Director. | The Kansas African American Museum, Wichita, Kan.
On May 8, The Kansas African American Museum (TKAAM) announced Shane Carter had been appointed executive director of the institution. Currently housed in historic Calvary Baptist Church, TKAAM is embarking on a construction project to build a new museum and cultural center in downtown Wichita with completion expected in late 2026. Carter joined the museum from Lincoln Community Center in Troy, Ohio, where he served as executive director for nearly 14 years. In a Q&A with TKAAM, Carter said the community center was “a historic schoolhouse for African Americans in 1865 and served multiple generations as a cultural and educational hub.” He went to preschool at the community center, learned to swim, played basketball, and benefitted from the countless offerings of youth programs. After college, when Carter returned to Troy in 2011, the community center faced an array of challenges. With support from the city and several foundations, Carter said he led its transformation into “a $6 Million state-of-the-art campus that serves as a multi-generational hub of resources.” Now in his new role, Carter said he is excited about the opportunity to “help shape the future of TKAAM.” He officially started in May.
“My vision is for TKAAM to be a premier cultural institution in the Midwest—known for its engaging exhibits, innovative programming, community outreach, and educational initiatives. I envision a museum that is inclusive, forward-thinking, and deeply rooted in history and culture, with expanded access to resources, strategic partnerships, and a legacy of impact that will resonate for generations.” — Shane Carter
Judia S. Jackson. | Courtesy Barnes Foundation
Judia S. Jackson, Deputy Director for Human Resources and Chief Culture Officer. | Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia, Pa.
The Barnes Foundation named Judia S. Jackson to the role of deputy director for human resources and chief culture officer. Jackson brings two decades of HR experience to the Barnes Foundation. She recently served as chief people and culture officer at Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts, where she spent three years (2022-24). Jackson also served in senior HR roles at ADP, the payroll and human resources management software company, and Marriott Vacations Worldwide. Earlier in her career, she worked in the HR department at Campbell’s Soup. The Barnes appointment was announced May 28. Jackson officially started at the museum on May 12.
JUNE
Harry H. Singleton III. | Courtesy IAAM
Harry H. Singleton III, Director of Faith-Based Education and Engagement. | International African American Museum, Charleston, S.C.
The International African American Museum welcomed Harry H. Singleton III as the wew Lilly Director of Faith-Based Education and Engagement. The appointment was announced June 5. Singleton officially started on June 2. Hudson hails from Conway, S.C. A scholar and activist, he began teaching in the African American Studies and Religious Studies departments at the University of South Carolina, his alma mater, in 2013. Previously, he was a full professor at Benedict College, where he taught for 23 years (1998-2020). Both schools are in Columbia, S.C. In a statement, IAAM Chief Learning and Engagement Officer Malika N. Pryor offered some insight into the nature of Singleton’s position and its relationship to the museum’s programming: “I look forward to all that he will do and that we will do together to deepen and expand the role of spirituality and faith traditions in the African American and African Diasporic journeys. We are so grateful to the Lilly Endowment for their support, not only of this position, but of the museum’s efforts to engage faith communities and elevate critical history.”
Harry H. Singleton III “is a scholar of religion whose work is rooted in the Black liberation tradition, focusing on deconstructing theological perspectives that sanction oppression and solidifying Christian theology’s task of establishing human liberation.”
Ayanna N. Hudson. | Courtesy Americans for the Arts
Ayanna N. Hudson, Chief Programs Officer. | Americans for the Arts, Washington, D.C.
On June 8, Americans for the Arts (AFTA) announced the appointment of Ayanna N. Hudson as chief programs officer. Hudson has dedicated her three-decade career to expanding access to the arts. In June, she joined AFTA from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), where she served in several key roles during her 13-year tenure (2012-25), including chief strategy, programs, and engagement officer; acting deputy chair for programs and partnerships; and arts education director. Prior to the NEA, Hudson worked with the Los Angeles County Arts Commission and Fulton County Arts Council in Atlanta, Ga.
Valrie Nozipho Sanders. | Courtesy YBCA
Valrie Nozipho Sanders, Chief Financial Officer. | Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco, Calif.
The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) welcomed Valrie Nozipho Sanders as chief financial officer. The appointment was announced on June 12. She joined YBCA in March. Sanders brings two decades of nonprofit finance experience. Most recently, she served as chief financial and operations officer at Hamilton Families and, in a prior role, director of finance at the Glide Foundation. Both San Francisco organizations are focused on ending homelessness and providing a path out of poverty. YBCA’s programming spans contemporary art exhibitions, performance, film, and civic engagement. YBCA describes its work as “centering artists as essential to social and cultural movement” and “reimagining the role an arts institution can play in the communities it serves.”
Brittany Webb. | Photo by Marco Hill, Courtesy MFAH
Brittany Webb, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art. | Museum of Fine Arts, Houston in Houston, Texas
On June 12, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) announced the appointment of Brittany Webb to the role of curator in the Department of Modern and Contemporary Art. Webb is joining MFAH from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) in Philadelphia, where she has been the Evelyn and Will Kaplan Curator of 20th-Century Art and the John Rhoden Collection since 2018. In addition to her wider curatorial duties, Webb was hired as the inaugural steward of the vast collection of sculptor John W. Rhoden (1916-2001), including more than 300 works of art and more than 5,000 archival materials. In 2023, her efforts culminated with “Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden,” a comprehensive retrospective and series of public programs exploring the life and work of the award-winning, under-recognized artist. Webb officially starts at MFAH later this summer.
Gwendolyn Pointer. | Photo Courtesy Anthony Grant
Gwendolyn Pointer, Chief Revenue Officer. | BRIC, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Established in 1979, BRIC is an arts, media, and civic engagement organization in Brooklyn, N.Y. On June 18, BRIC announced the appointment of Gwendolyn Pointer as chief revenue officer, a newly created executive role. Focusing on the nonprofit’s financial sustainability, her portfolio includes revenue strategy, corporate partnerships, sponsorship development, and funding initiatives. Previously, Pointer served as executive vice president at GLAAD Media Institute (2020-25). She has also held leadership posts at New York Public Radio (WNYC Studios), The Paley Center for Media, and Brooklyn Academy of Music. BRIC engages the community and supports artists and media makers through exhibitions, commissions, grants, prizes, residencies, education programs, film screenings, and live events and performances. Pointer joined BRIC in June.
Lisa Brown Ross. | Photo courtesy AAMD
Lisa Brown Ross, President and CEO. | African American Museum of Dallas in Dallas, Texas
Lisa Brown Ross is joining the African American Museum of Dallas as president and CEO. The news was announced June 30. The appointment is effective July 21. She is succeeding Harry Robinson Jr., the president and CEO emeritus, who founded the museum in 1974 and led the institution for more than 50 years. Since January, Margie Johnson Reese had been serving as interim head of the museum, while the search for a permanent leader was underway. Ross brings a longstanding career in nonprofit leadership and public affairs. In her most recent roles, she served as director of marketing and development at Anthem Strong Families in Dallas and president of LJR Group, a strategic communications and public relations firm. “As someone who has spent a lifetime building this institution, I see in Lisa the same dedication to education, a steadfast resolve to preserving our heritage, and a passion for building community,” Robinson said in a statement. “It brings me great joy to pass the torch to someone as accomplished, creative and committed as Lisa.” CT
FIND MORE Culture Type has previously reported on annual curatorial and arts leader appointments, dating from 2016
FIND MORE The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and Ithaka S+R launched a new art museum director survey in 2025. The findings are forthcoming. Since 2015, Mellon and Ithaka S+R have been surveying museum staff demographics to understand opportunities and representation in terms of age, race, and gender at the institutions. In November 2022, they released a third survey of North American art museum staff demographics. (Summary)
FIND MORE Black Curators Matter: An Oral History Project was established by Columbia University Professor Kellie Jones focusing on visual art curators active over the past half century “who have played an important role in getting the museum and curatorial field to where it is today,” with interviews are conducted by younger curators
