The Whitney Museum of American Art has announced the appointment of Kim Conaty as the Nancy and Steve Crown Family Chief Curator. Effective April 8, Conaty assumes this prestigious role, which is set to profoundly shape the museum’s future.
With an impressive background in the art world, Conaty has been a driving force at the Whitney since 2017, where she served as the Steven and Ann Ames Curator of Drawings and Prints. Her tenure has been marked by groundbreaking exhibitions that have captivated audiences worldwide. Notable among these is the landmark exhibition “Edward Hopper’s New York” in 2022, which garnered widespread acclaim, cementing Conaty’s reputation as a curator of exceptional talent.
Conaty’s contributions to the Whitney’s program are numerous and impactful. Her exhibitions, such as ‘Mary Corse: A Survey in Light’ (2018), ‘Nothing Is So Humble: Prints from Everyday Objects’ (2020), and ‘Ruth Asawa Through Line’ (2023), have left a lasting impression. Her upcoming exhibition, ‘Survival Piece #5: Portable Orchard,’ is highly anticipated and is expected to further enhance the museum’s reputation for innovative and thought-provoking shows.
Conaty’s influence extends beyond her curatorial achievements. She has been instrumental in developing the Whitney’s Collection Strategic Plan, a comprehensive initiative that sets the museum’s collection and exhibition priorities. Under her guidance, the Whitney acquired 286 works in 2023, with a strong focus on underrepresented areas, demonstrating Conaty’s dedication to diversity and inclusion in art.
As Chief Curator, Conaty will oversee the museum’s curatorial, publications, and conservation departments, which will be pivotal in shaping the institution’s artistic program. Her appointment comes after an international search, solidifying her status as a leader in the field.
Commenting on her new position, Conaty expressed her excitement at the opportunity to guide Whitney’s curatorial team and continue shaping the museum’s collection in meaningful ways. Her extensive experience and visionary approach make her a natural fit for the role, and her appointment has been met with widespread anticipation from the art community.
The Whitney Museum of American Art, often referred to simply as “The Whitney,” is a renowned institution dedicated to showcasing American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. Founded in 1930 by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, a prominent art collector and patron, the museum has played a vital role in developing and promoting American art.
Located in New York City’s Meatpacking District, the Whitney Museum has a rich history of supporting emerging artists and championing innovative movements. Its collection comprises over 25,000 works by more than 3,500 artists, including iconic pieces by Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Alexander Calder.
The museum is known for its focus on contemporary and modern American art, with exhibitions spanning a wide range of mediums, from painting and sculpture to photography, video, and new media. It is also celebrated for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, actively seeking to represent the full spectrum of American artistic expression.
Over the years, the Whitney Museum has earned a reputation as a cultural hub and a beacon of artistic excellence. Its exhibitions and programs attract visitors worldwide, allowing artists to engage with audiences and explore pressing social and cultural issues.
As it continues to evolve and expand its offerings, the Whitney Museum remains committed to its mission of celebrating the diversity and dynamism of American art, ensuring that it remains a vital force in the global art community for generations to come.
With Kim Conaty at the helm, the Whitney Museum of American Art is poised to embark on an exciting new chapter that promises to push the boundaries of artistic innovation and engagement. As she takes on this new challenge, Conaty’s influence on the museum’s direction will surely be felt for years.