Phoenix Art Museum Faces Fallout From Former Director

By Steve Goldstein
Published: Tuesday, September 10, 2019 - 11:32am
Updated: Tuesday, September 10, 2019 - 12:13pm

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Phoenix Art Museum sign
Sky Schaudt/KJZZ
Phoenix Art Museum in downtown Phoenix.

Phoenix Art Museum underwent the most dramatic of personnel changes earlier this summer when Director Amada Cruz left to take over as Director and CEO of the Seattle Art Museum. Cruz’s time in the Valley was controversial. She was brought in to make dramatic changes in diversity and fundraising, and some longtime supporters and volunteers were critical of her and what she implemented.

Months after her departure, changes are still happening that are leaving holes in the museum’s leadership. The latest is the resignation of Vanessa Davidson, curator of Latin American Art. She’s leaving for a position in Austin, Texas.

Robrt Pela of Phoenix New Times has chronicled what’s been going on at Phoenix Art Museum and talked to The Show about the significance of these departures.

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