Chazen Museum of Art Reopens with 25,000-Work Reinstallation and New Leadership Model
In November, the Chazen Museum of Art at the University of Wisconsin–Madison will unveil a reinstallation featuring over 25,000 pieces, adopting an object-focused strategy for its collection. This initiative reflects a leadership approach that merges creative thinking with effective management, departing from the conventional model of a singular visionary director. The author, who previously published an op-ed in 2021 critiquing such leadership, now promotes a blend of managerial and creative administration to cultivate new opportunities. The reinstallation process was characterized by collaboration, experimentation, and trust-building, embodying the UW–Madison principle of 'sifting and winnowing,' rooted in an 1894 regents' statement advocating for fearless inquiry. The author likens this process to poetry that emerges from diligent effort, emphasizing that the artistic aspect is unattainable without foundational work.
Key facts
- The Chazen Museum of Art at the University of Wisconsin–Madison will reopen in November.
- The reinstallation includes more than 25,000 works.
- The museum adopts an object-centered approach to presenting its collection.
- The author published a 2021 op-ed arguing against the era of the visionary museum director.
- The author now advocates for leadership that pairs managerial acumen with creativity.
- The reinstallation process involved collaboration, experimentation, failure, trust-building, and 'sifting and winnowing.'
- 'Sifting and winnowing' is a UW–Madison core value from an 1894 statement by the board of regents.
- The author describes sifting and winnowing as poetry grounded in the hard work of separating grain from chaff.
Entities
Institutions
- Chazen Museum of Art
- University of Wisconsin–Madison
- Hyperallergic
Locations
- Madison
- United States
- Wisconsin