When did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in art, and why?
I took art history in high school. Although I grew up in New York City and had visited many museums, I had never really connected with them until I took an art history course during my senior year. We went on a field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and I had a lightbulb moment. All of the objects I had been reading about in my textbook were suddenly right in front of me. I still remember that experience very vividly.
I realized museums were amazing places because they allowed me to engage directly with objects I was curious about, learn from them, and be moved by them. That experience started me on the path toward pursuing a professional career in a field that fascinated me.
How did you know which part of the art world you wanted to pursue?
I had a strong interest in the history of art and in interpreting objects, so I knew that whatever I did would involve research. Intellectual curiosity was a major driving force for me, and that helped me narrow my options to either academia or museums.
Ultimately, museums appealed to me more because I am an extrovert and enjoy discussing works of art with other people and working collaboratively. I wanted an environment where I could engage with others rather than the more solitary nature of academia.
What kind of impact do you think AI will have on museums and the art world? Could it be damaging for future generations?
I am not as concerned about AI as many others are. Creativity is what makes us human, and I do not believe we will lose that. AI can be an incredibly useful tool because it helps us analyze information that we might not otherwise have the time, resources, or staff to process. It can also help us recognize opportunities that we may not currently see.
I do not believe AI will replace the experience of standing in front of a remarkable work of art, nor do I think it will replace artists or people who embrace creativity, design, and creative thinking. Instead, I believe there are exciting opportunities to harness AI in ways that benefit museums and the arts. I am optimistic about its potential rather than fearful of it.
What has been the biggest benefit of pursuing a career in art?
Because I focus on contemporary art, I have had the opportunity to build relationships with many artists. I find artists to be among the most interesting people because the questions they explore help us understand the world differently and often more deeply.
Artists hold up a mirror to society and encourage us to see issues from new perspectives. That ability to shift our understanding has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. Before becoming a museum director, I worked as a curator, which allowed me to spend even more time directly engaging with artists and their work.
How concerned are you about cuts in funding to the arts, particularly in schools?
I think it is extremely concerning. The arts are often treated as something that is nice to have rather than essential, so they are frequently among the first areas to face budget cuts.
I believe the solution is to integrate the arts across all disciplines instead of treating them as a separate subject that can easily be removed. Embedding the arts throughout education develops creative thinking, problem solving, and critical thinking skills, whether students are studying visual art, music, theater, literature, or another creative field.
Reducing funding for the arts ultimately limits students' potential growth and the impact they can have throughout their lives.
What would integrating art into other subjects actually look like?
For example, when students study the Revolutionary War, they could spend time in a museum looking at objects created by people who lived during that period. Material culture is an incredibly powerful way of bringing history to life.
Rather than simply reading and writing about historical events, students can learn through direct engagement with the objects produced during those moments in history.
What advice would you give to students like me who want to study art in college and potentially build a career in the arts?
Surround yourself with artists and spend as much time as possible experiencing art, whether your interests are in contemporary art or another period. Visit galleries, volunteer whenever you can, and, while in college, spend time not only with art historians but also with studio art students so you gain firsthand insight into the artistic process.
Look for internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer opportunities throughout school. Most importantly, find mentors who can help you identify opportunities and guide your development. Invest in those relationships.
Like many careers, success often comes through the people you connect with. Whether they are artists, academics, or museum professionals, building genuine relationships while following your passion is incredibly valuable.
