Big news shaking up the North Texas art world! Two prominent museums are ushering in new eras with significant leadership changes. After years of transformative growth, one director departs, while another brings a stellar track record to Dallas. What do these shifts mean for the future of art in our community?

Significant leadership transitions are underway at two of North Texas’s most prominent cultural institutions: the Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth and the Dallas Museum of Art. These pivotal changes mark the dawn of new eras for both esteemed art museums, promising fresh perspectives and strategic evolutions within the region’s dynamic art scene.

Dr. Andrew J. Walker is set to conclude his distinguished 14-year tenure as Executive Director of the Amon Carter Museum of American Art on August 31. Under his stewardship, the museum experienced remarkable growth, significantly expanding its collections and endowment. Walker spearheaded comprehensive renovations of the internal galleries, reimagining spaces to enhance visitor experience and foster a thematic presentation that thoughtfully connects artists and works across different periods, exemplifying effective art museum leadership.

During his impactful tenure, Dr. Walker further broadened the Amon Carter Museum’s reach by integrating site-specific installations from living American artists into its exhibition program and considerably improved access to its extensive collection, both on-site and online. He also championed a critical initiative dedicated to acquiring works by Indigenous artists, ensuring diverse voices and perspectives are amplified within the museum’s holdings and the broader discourse of American art.

A key highlight of Walker’s leadership was the launch of the Carter Community Artists initiative in 2018, designed to support local artists and provide public access to collaborative learning experiences. This commitment to community engagement, alongside a major renovation in 2019 that updated exhibition spaces and unveiled a new website, solidified the Amon Carter Museum’s role as a vital cultural institution deeply connected to its public.

Meanwhile, the Dallas Museum of Art is preparing to welcome Brian Ferriso as its new Eugene McDermott Director on December 1, eleven months after the departure of Agustin Arteaga. Ferriso brings nearly two decades of experience from his role as Director of the Portland Art Museum in Oregon, signaling a momentous leadership change for another cornerstone of North Texas art.

Ferriso’s track record at the Portland Art Museum is marked by substantial achievements, including more than doubling the curatorial staff, significantly increasing the endowment by $40 million, and eliminating $7 million in unfunded debt. He also established the Art Access Endowment, providing free admission for children and families, underscoring his dedication to making art museums accessible to all.

Crucially, Ferriso championed the diversification of PAM’s collection, with a focused effort on acquiring works by women, Native American, and Black artists, alongside other artists of color. His experience in managing a comprehensive campus transformation project in Portland will be a tremendous asset as the Dallas Museum of Art embarks on its own ambitious renovation, highlighting the strategic development these cultural institutions require.

These significant leadership changes at both the Amon Carter Museum and the Dallas Museum of Art herald exciting futures for North Texas art. As these prominent cultural institutions embrace new leadership, the region anticipates continued innovation, enhanced community engagement, and a renewed vision for fostering artistic appreciation and scholarship.