A New Chapter for Art and Education
A Respected Leader Takes the Helm at Hood Museum
Kim Conaty is set to assume her new responsibilities as the director of the Hood Museum of Art on October 27. Her arrival is highly anticipated, as she brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished career from her previous role at the Whitney Museum, where her curatorial vision has significantly impacted the art world.
A Decade of Curatorial Excellence at the Whitney
Conaty's journey at the Whitney Museum began in 2017 when she joined as the curator of drawings and prints. Her dedication and expertise led to her promotion to chief curator in 2024. During her time at the Whitney, she was instrumental in organizing several highly successful and critically praised exhibitions, showcasing artists such as Edward Hopper, Mary Corse, and Ruth Asawa.
Transitioning from a Legacy of Growth
As the eighth individual to hold the director's position, Conaty follows in the footsteps of John Stomberg, who retired earlier this month after a ten-year tenure. Stomberg’s leadership was marked by significant growth for the museum, including a $50 million expansion project that effectively doubled its physical footprint, culminating in its reopening in 2019.
Vision for the Future: Discovery and Engagement
Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Conaty highlighted the Hood Museum's commitment to discovery and making art accessible to diverse audiences. She emphasized the museum's strong foundation, including its recently renovated building, impressive collections, and dedicated team, all situated within Dartmouth's thriving Arts District. Conaty looks forward to guiding the museum into its next phase of development.
Dartmouth's Endorsement of a Visionary Leader
Santiago Schnell, Dartmouth’s chief academic and budget officer, lauded Conaty as an "exceptional leader and visionary curator." He underscored her deep understanding of the arts' crucial role in academic life and in fostering human connections. Schnell expressed confidence that Conaty possesses the necessary knowledge and experience to spearhead the Hood Museum's strategic planning and to further solidify its identity as a hub for scholarly research and robust community engagement.
A Rigorous Selection Process Yields an Outstanding Candidate
The search committee, chaired by Colleen Boggs, Dartmouth College’s associate dean for the arts and humanities, engaged the firm Isaacson, Miller in its extensive search. Boggs noted that Conaty distinguished herself among a highly competitive field as a credentialed and forward-thinking leader. Boggs anticipates that Conaty will serve as a powerful advocate for advancing the arts across the entire Dartmouth community.