The Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) has announced the upcoming departure of Dr. Agustín Arteaga, who has served as the Eugene McDermott Director since 2016.
Agustín Arteaga. Photo by Paloma Torres.
During his tenure, Mr. Arteaga has overseen the institution through significant moments, including navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and related temporary closure, increasing the diversity of visitors and Board of Trustee members, growing the curatorial team, securing bond funding from the City of Dallas, launching the museum’s expansion plan and capital campaign, and more.
In a press release announcing his departure, Mr. Arteaga remarked, “Following an extraordinary response to our international architecture competition to reimagine the DMA, we have now laid the foundation to transform the museum into one of the most exciting, engaging, and visitor-friendly art museums in the world. With this groundwork in place, it is the right moment to hand the reins to the next leader who will see this monumental multi-year project to fruition and lead the DMA into the future.”
Gowri Sharma and Jeff Ellerman, the President and Chair, respectively, of the museum’s Board of Trustees, released this joint statement: “We are grateful to Agustín for his many contributions to the DMA, especially during a time of unprecedented challenges. With a long list of curatorial and programmatic achievements and having put in place a talented leadership team, he is leaving the museum in a position of strength as we look to the next chapter in the museum’s trajectory. Our Board looks forward to working with the next leader of the DMA, along with our staff, donors, and City partners to realize the vision created under Agustín’s leadership.”
Tamara Wootton Forsyth.
Tamara Wootton Forsyth, who has worked at the DMA for more than 20 years, most recently as Deputy Director, has been named Interim Director. Mr. Arteaga’s final day will be December 31, 2024. Ms. Forsyth will work closely with Ms. Sharma and Mr. Arteaga to ensure a seamless transition. A search committee, led by trustees, will begin the process of identifying the next Director.
