Massimiliano Gioni Appointed Director of New York's New Museum
The New Museum in New York City has recently announced a significant leadership transition, with Massimiliano Gioni, formerly the artistic director, stepping into the role of director. This change, effective August 1, follows the retirement of Lisa Phillips, who led the institution for 26 years. Gioni's elevation is a testament to his substantial contributions to the museum's curatorial direction and his instrumental role in establishing its reputation as a premier destination for contemporary art globally. His deep understanding of the institution's mission and his extensive experience in the art world position him as an ideal leader for its next phase of growth and innovation.
James-Keith Brown, president of the New Museum board, expressed immense enthusiasm regarding Gioni's appointment, highlighting his crucial role in the museum's evolution. Over two decades, Gioni has been central to conceptualizing groundbreaking exhibitions, fostering key institutional partnerships, mentoring colleagues, and cultivating significant relationships within the international art community. His vision has consistently placed the New Museum at the forefront of contemporary artistic discourse, and the board anticipates that his directorship will further solidify its standing.
Gioni initially joined the New Museum in 2006 as a curator, subsequently ascending to artistic director in 2014. Throughout his tenure, he has been a driving force behind numerous influential exhibitions. Notably, he pioneered the New Museum Triennial in 2009, launching it as “The Generational Triennial: Younger Than Jesus,” in collaboration with Lauren Cornell and Laura Hoptman. This initiative quickly became a pivotal platform for emerging artists.
His curatorial portfolio also includes a diverse array of thematic exhibitions such as “After Nature” (2008), “Ostalgia” (2011), “Here and Elsewhere” (2014), “The Keeper” (2016), and the ongoing “New Humans: Memories of the Future,” which coincides with the museum's expansion. Furthermore, in 2021, he collaborated with Naomi Beckwith, Glenn Ligon, and Mark Nash on “Grief and Grievance: Art and Mourning in America,” a significant exhibition that was among Okwui Enwezor's final projects. Beyond these large-scale endeavors, Gioni has organized solo exhibitions for an impressive roster of celebrated contemporary artists, including John Akomfrah, Lynda Benglis, Judy Chicago, Nicole Eisenman, Theaster Gates, and Faith Ringgold, to name a few.
Gioni's influence extends beyond the New Museum, as he has also directed several prominent international biennials, including the 2013 Venice Biennale, the 2010 Gwangju Biennale, the 2006 Berlin Biennale, and Manifesta 5 in 2004. His collaborations with collector-founded organizations, such as Dakis Joannou’s Deste Foundation, Eugenio López Alonso’s Museo Jumex, and Tony Salamé’s Aïshti Foundation, further underscore his global reach and multifaceted expertise in the art world.
In his acceptance statement, Gioni conveyed deep gratitude to the museum's board and selection committee for entrusting him with the institution's esteemed legacy and the opportunity to shape its future. He expressed honor in following in the footsteps of previous leaders like Marcia Tucker and Lisa Phillips, emphasizing that his appointment reflects a collective vote of confidence in the entire institution and its dedicated staff. Gioni also acknowledged the myriad artists, colleagues, and supporters who have collectively transformed the New Museum into the globally respected and cherished cultural landmark it is today.