Leadership Changes and Notable Happenings in the Art World
The art world sees significant leadership changes and exciting new appointments, including Jean Cooney at Creative Time, while whimsical astrological insights from the Whitney Museum stir curiosity. #ArtNews #LeadershipChanges #CreativeTime #WhitneyBiennial
Creative Time Appoints New Executive Director
Jean Cooney is set to take the helm as the new executive director of Creative Time starting in February. Known for her strong stance in 2022 defending the Port Authority Bus Terminal, Cooney has made significant contributions to the arts as the current director of Times Square Arts and vice president of Arts and Culture at the Times Square Alliance. She succeeds Justine Ludwig, who has recently been appointed as the creative director of PST Art at the Getty. Cooney is no stranger to Creative Time, having previously worked there for seven years until 2019, where she played a pivotal role in facilitating projects like Kara Walker’s renowned installation at the former Domino Sugar factory. Congratulations to Jean on this new chapter in her career! However, one can’t help but wonder about her daily commute to Times Square.
Significant Departures and Appointments
In other news, Sally Tallant has announced her resignation from her position as president and executive director of the Queens Museum, a tenure that was both transformative and contentious over the past seven years. For further details, read the full article on Hyperallergic.
Additionally, Yasha Grobman has been appointed as the new director general of the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, taking over from Suzanne Landau, who served as the interim director since January. Kristen Shepherd has also been named the president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts during a challenging time for the institution, following the elimination of degree-earning programs due to a budget deficit.
In exciting news for the art community, acclaimed artist Amy Sherald has signed with the Creative Artists Agency (CAA), continuing her collaboration with Hauser & Wirth gallery. Meanwhile, Marisa Sage has been announced as the new executive director of the New Mexico Museum of Art by the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.
Noteworthy Awards
Antonio Paucar has been awarded the prestigious Artes Mundi 11 prize, presented by the Wales-based organization Artes Mundi in partnership with the Bagri Foundation. Additionally, Sancintya Mohini Simpson received the Derek Williams Trust Artes Mundi Purchase Prize, highlighting the growing recognition of emerging talents in the art scene.
Whimsical Observations from the Whitney Museum
On a lighter note, the Whitney Museum of American Art recently sparked curiosity with an Instagram post analyzing the astrological signs of the artists participating in the upcoming 2026 Biennial. This unconventional approach has led to playful speculation about the influence of zodiac signs in artistic expression. The museum’s post humorously categorized the 56 artists by their astrological signs, notably highlighting a predominance of Cancers and Leos, described as “where emotion meets spotlight.” While some may question the relevance of astrology in art, it certainly adds an intriguing layer of engagement for audiences. As we navigate the complexities of the art world, perhaps the Whitney’s social media team could use a break—there’s no harm in a little fun, after all!
