Kim Conaty named Chief Curator at the Whitney Museum of American Art
New Leadership Role at the Whitney Museum
The Whitney Museum of American Art in New York has recently announced the appointment of Kim Conaty as the Nancy and Steve Crown Family Chief Curator. Starting April 8, Conaty joined the museum’s senior leadership team and play a crucial role in shaping its mission and vision. Her responsibilities will include overseeing the museum’s curatorial, publications, and conservation departments. She will also manage the development of the museum’s permanent collection and exhibitions.
Extensive Background in Art Curation
Conaty has been with the Whitney since 2017, initially serving as the Steven and Ann Ames Curator of Drawings and Prints. She has curated several significant exhibitions, including the critically acclaimed “Edward Hopper’s New York” in 2022, and more recently, “Ruth Asawa Through Line” in 2023, showcasing Asawa’s drawing practices for the first time. Her upcoming exhibition, “Survival Piece #5: Portable Orchard,” which features a major example of 1970s environmental art, is set to open on June 29, 2024.
Strategic Initiatives and Acquisitions
In her previous roles, Conaty has contributed significantly to the strategic planning and expansion of the Whitney’s collection. She co-directed the development of the Whitney’s Collection Strategic Plan (CSP), a multi-year initiative to assess and prioritize the museum’s collection of over 26,000 works. Under her stewardship in 2023, the Whitney acquired 286 works, focusing on underrepresented areas and adding 57 new artists to their repertoire.
A Commitment to Diversity and Education
Conaty’s leadership extends beyond curatorial achievements. She has played a pivotal role in guiding the museum’s Acquisition Committee on Drawings and Prints and has served on the Board of Directors at the Print Council of America, contributing actively to its Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) Committee.
Leadership and Vision for the Future
Her appointment follows an international search, positioning her alongside other key figures in the museum’s leadership under the guidance of Scott Rothkopf, the Alice Pratt Brown Director. Rothkopf praised Conaty’s “extraordinary range of talents” and her “deep scholarly expertise,” emphasizing her contributions to the museum field both as a colleague and a mentor.
Conaty expressed her honor in taking up the leadership role, emphasizing her commitment to guiding the Whitney’s curatorial team towards developing dynamic exhibitions that engage artists and audiences alike.
A Rich Career in Art Curation
Prior to her tenure at the Whitney, Conaty held significant curatorial positions at the Rose Art Museum at Brandeis University and The Museum of Modern Art in New York. Her work has involved curating important exhibitions and enhancing collections with notable acquisitions across various institutions. She has organized internationally traveled exhibitions, including the presentation of “Mary Corse: A Survey in Light” at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Kim Conaty’s journey through the art world, marked by her scholarly work and impactful exhibitions, sets a promising stage for her new role at the Whitney Museum, where she aims to continue enriching the cultural landscape with innovative and insightful art exhibitions.
