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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 10, 2013
Kristian Anderson Appointed Executive Director of UMOCA
Salt Lake City - The Utah Museum of Contemporary Art Board of Trustees announces today that they have selected Kristian Anderson to serve as the Executive Director of the museum.
Anderson has a remarkable work and teaching history and most recently served as the first full time Director of the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries, a national organization that specializes in education and advocacy for museums as well as helping to set museum standards. He has run contemporary art spaces at the University of Washington and the University of Colorado, and increased attendance, funding, and national recognition in both locations during his tenure.
"Kristian is just what UMOCA needs to move forward in its path of excellence. He is a true visionary, an accomplished director and administrator and is committed to the success of the museum and contemporary art in this region," says Interim Director, Maggie Willis. "He comes with great praise, nationally, and we are incredibly fortunate to welcome him into the community."
Board President Roy Jespersen adds, "Kris understands contemporary art and its important place in the cultural fabric of a dynamic community like Utah. He combines a strong academic background with hands on experience in museums. Kris will continue to facilitate the important dialog between artists and the broader community to assure that the place of contemporary art is known and appreciated in Utah."
"I am excited and honored to be coming to UMOCA" declares Anderson. "The museum has been one that I have followed for a long time because of their exceptional contemporary art programming and the innovative and inspiring way they engage with the greater Utah community and beyond. In all of my interactions with the museum Trustees, staff and supporters I was gratified by the amount that they give of themselves to the museum, their passion for the value of contemporary art, and their belief in the power of UMOCA. It is my hope both personally and for the institution that we can continue to support, encourage, and promote Utah artists while at the same time bringing in discussion provoking work from around the world."
UMOCA's Board of Trustees are confident that Kristian will be an articulate advocate for contemporary art in Utah and look forward to him joining UMOCA in February.
About The Utah Museum of Contemporary Art
Founded in 1931, the award-winning Utah Museum of Contemporary Art's purpose is to give Utah residents and visitors access to international, national, regional, and local art that is relevant to our time. UMOCA offers rotating exhibitions in four gallery spaces, youth and adult education, as well as community outreach, an Artist-in-Residence program, and a variety of public programs to cultivate awareness of concepts found in contemporary art. UMOCA is a 501c3 institution that is supported by public, foundation, and corporate gifts.
UMOCA has been recognized as Best Museum in the State of Utah for 2011, 2012, and 2013 as well as a four-time recipient of funding from the Andy Warhol Foundation.
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