Dallas Contemporary’s (DC) Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Lucia Simek as the organization’s Executive Director. Ms. Simek has served as Interim Executive Director since September 2024, upon Carolina Alvarez-Mathies’ departure.
2024 Dallas Contemporary Gala. Photo: A Sea of Love for Dallas Contemporary
Following Ms. Alvarez-Mathies’ departure, the Board conducted a national search and ultimately determined Ms. Simek was the ideal candidate for the role. During her tenure as Interim Executive Director, Ms. Simek oversaw the 2024 DC Gala, which raised over $1 million, and created vision strategies for the museum. She also maintained her Deputy Director duties, which included overseeing various departments such as curatorial affairs, public programs, publications, and education.
Lucia Simek. Photo: Kaitlin Saragusa Kellerman Photography for Dallas Contemporary
In a press release, Rod Sager, Co-Chair of DC’s Board, said, “We are fortunate to have Lucia at the helm. She provides an inspiring vision for the future of Dallas Contemporary. Her leadership will guide our nearly 50-year-old museum into the next half-century with determined focus and innovation.”
In September 2022, Ms. Simek joined DC as Director of External Affairs. The following year, she was promoted to Deputy Director. Throughout her time at the organization, she has spearheaded several significant programs, including DC EMPTY, a time-based programming series that activates vacant gallery spaces between exhibitions; DC Performance, a national performance series; and most recently, the North Texas Graduate Student Program initiative, which provides mentorship and exhibition opportunities for local graduate students.
Open University. Photo: A Sea of Love for Dallas Contemporary
Prior to her time at DC, Ms. Simek served as Head of Communications and International Programs at the Nasher Sculpture Center. In that capacity, she oversaw media relations for the museum and was Editor-in-Chief of the organization’s magazine. She also oversaw the Nasher Prize Dialogues, a series of discussions with artists and curators.
From 2010 to 2014, Ms. Simek wrote for Glasstire. Additionally, she has written about contemporary art for publications such as Ursula and Flash Art. Her forthcoming book, Occiput, explores the influence of the Texan landscape on the work of Forrest Bess, Alberto Burri, and Myron Stout. She holds an MFA in Sculpture from Texas Christian University and has exhibited across the U.S. and internationally.
Regarding her new appointment, Ms. Simek remarked, “It will be an honor and privilege to lead Dallas Contemporary at this pivotal moment for the institution. I believe deeply in DC’s mission to advance the discovery and appreciation of the art of our time, and know Dallas can be an international locus for artistic production and imagination. I aim to strengthen the continued growth of DC’s audience and supporters by bringing stability to the institution through a commitment to the vital, invaluable good of artistic and curatorial perspectives within culture.”
