Women at the Helm of Major Museums

Curating Change

As the art and museum sectors continue to evolve, a notable shift has taken place in leadership roles within these cultural institutions. Historically, while many women have held significant positions particularly among curators, it is only recently that we’ve seen an increasing number assuming top directorial roles.

A survey conducted in partnership with the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Art Museum Directors, funded by the Mellon Foundation, highlights this progress: from 2015 to 2022, the representation of female employees in museum leadership roles increased from 58 percent to 66 percent.

Maria Balshaw, Director of Tate, encapsulates this shift by noting, “History is catching up with the museum. You can’t have this much female talent and not have it filter up to the leadership roles.”

In celebration of International Museum Day on May 18th, we spotlight five remarkable women who exemplify this changing tide and are at the helm of some of the world’s most esteemed museums. Their leadership enriches the global cultural landscape and paves the way for future generations of women in the arts.

 

Laurence des Cars

Breaking centuries-old precedents, Laurence des Cars has made history as the first woman to lead the Louvre since its founding in 1793. As the first female president of the world’s largest art museum and historic monument in Paris, des Cars brings a transformative perspective to this venerable institution. Her leadership is characterized by a commitment to broadening the museum’s narrative, incorporating more diverse artists, and attracting younger generations, thereby ensuring that the Louvre remains as relevant tomorrow as it has been for centuries.

 

 

Maria Balshaw

Maria Balshaw’s transformational leadership as the Director of Tate, encompassing its four major sites in the UK (Tate Modern, Tate Britain, Tate Liverpool, and Tate St Ives), has marked her as a visionary in the art world. Appointed in 2017, Balshaw has been instrumental in diversifying Tate’s collections and exhibitions, emphasizing the inclusion of women artists and artists of color. Her leadership reflects a commitment to expanding the narrative of modern and contemporary art, making it more inclusive and representative of global perspectives. Under her guidance, Tate has embraced digital innovation, community engagement, and educational programs, reinforcing its position as a dynamic and accessible cultural hub.

 

 

Thelma Golden

Thelma Golden, Director and Chief Curator of The Studio Museum in Harlem, is a towering figure in the world of contemporary art, known especially for her advocacy and promotion of African American artists. She has transformed the museum into a powerhouse of cultural influence and innovation. Her tenure is marked by groundbreaking exhibitions and a steadfast commitment to nurturing emerging and mid-career artists of African descent. Under her leadership, the museum has solidified its role as a pivotal cultural and educational hub in Harlem, undergoing a significant expansion with a new building designed by renowned architect David Adjaye.

 

 

Rhana Jean Devenport ONZM

Rhana Jean Devenport ONZM, an esteemed curator and arts leader from New Zealand, is currently the Director of the Art Gallery of South Australia. She brings a global perspective to Australian art. With a strong commitment to Indigenous art and cultures, Devenport has expanded the gallery’s collection and exhibitions, creating a platform for dialogue, and understanding through art. Her work emphasizes art’s power to influence social change and community well-being, ensuring a diverse and inclusive cultural dialogue within the gallery’s offerings.

 

 

Hilda Trujillo

As the Director of Museo Frida Kahlo in Mexico, Hilda Trujillo has played a pivotal role in preserving and elevating the legacy of Frida Kahlo. Beyond her leadership at the Museo Frida Kahlo, Trujillo has also directed the Anahuacalli Museum, which showcases the collections of Diego Rivera, Kahlo’s husband. Under her stewardship, the museum not only celebrates Frida Kahlo’s art but also her spirit of resilience and independence. Trujillo has been pivotal in organizing exhibitions that delve deeper into Kahlo’s life and work, drawing connections to contemporary issues of gender, politics, and identity.

 

 

These five women exemplify the power of leadership and the significant impact it can have on the cultural institutions they guide. Their pioneering roles enrich the global arts landscape and signal a promising shift towards greater inclusivity and innovation in museum leadership.

As their influence grows, these leaders are setting a transformative path for future generations in the arts world.