The Art Institute of Chicago has undergone significant changes under the leadership of President and CEO James Rondeau, who took office in 2016. Some notable developments include:
* A new master plan for the museum's expansion and renovation
* The addition of new galleries and exhibits, including a major acquisition of works by Remedios Varo
* Increased focus on art from ancient Americas and Indigenous cultures
* Improved engagement with local communities through exhibitions and programs featuring Chicago artists
* A significant gift of 200 paintings, 50 sculptures, and nearly 2,000 drawings from collectors Jeffrey and Carol Horvitz, which provides an ideal complement to the museum's existing collection of French works
Rondeau has emphasized the importance of leadership being a "forever learning curve" and has taken steps to reflect on what leadership means to him and how he can offer value to the institution. He has also highlighted the need for museums to be relevant to their communities and has used his 10-year anniversary as an opportunity to look back and ahead.
Debra Kerr, president and CEO of Intuit Art Museum, questioned the need for further expansion projects, citing concerns about operational costs. However, she praised the Art Institute's recent exhibitions and its efforts to engage with local artists and audiences.
Overall, Rondeau has made significant strides in shaping the museum's future while maintaining a commitment to its core mission of collecting, conserving, and showcasing art from around the world.
* A new master plan for the museum's expansion and renovation
* The addition of new galleries and exhibits, including a major acquisition of works by Remedios Varo
* Increased focus on art from ancient Americas and Indigenous cultures
* Improved engagement with local communities through exhibitions and programs featuring Chicago artists
* A significant gift of 200 paintings, 50 sculptures, and nearly 2,000 drawings from collectors Jeffrey and Carol Horvitz, which provides an ideal complement to the museum's existing collection of French works
Rondeau has emphasized the importance of leadership being a "forever learning curve" and has taken steps to reflect on what leadership means to him and how he can offer value to the institution. He has also highlighted the need for museums to be relevant to their communities and has used his 10-year anniversary as an opportunity to look back and ahead.
Debra Kerr, president and CEO of Intuit Art Museum, questioned the need for further expansion projects, citing concerns about operational costs. However, she praised the Art Institute's recent exhibitions and its efforts to engage with local artists and audiences.
Overall, Rondeau has made significant strides in shaping the museum's future while maintaining a commitment to its core mission of collecting, conserving, and showcasing art from around the world.
. Don't get me wrong, Remedios Varo is an amazing artist, but can we really justify the cost with just a few big acquisitions? And what's up with all these expansion plans? Won't that just drive up operational costs even more? 
I'm glad they're trying to engage with local artists and communities though - it's about time museums stopped being so out of touch with their own neighborhoods.
. I mean, who doesn't love a CEO who's not afraid to admit they don't have all the answers? It's so refreshing! And I'm loving how he's prioritizing art from ancient Americas and Indigenous cultures - it's long overdue for more representation on the global stage 
. The addition of those incredible Horvitz paintings is also a game-changer, can't wait to see them in person! 
. It takes courage to adapt to changing times, but it's clear that James Rondeau has been doing just that at the Art Institute of Chicago 
. Like, can't they just be happy with what they have already? I mean, what's wrong with having a smaller museum where you actually get to see and appreciate all the art, not just a bunch of it scattered around in different areas. And don't even get me started on the financials - 200 paintings and 50 sculptures from collectors? Sounds like a cash cow to me 
. I think Debra Kerr is totally right to question the need for more expansion projects, let's be real...
I'm literally so hyped about the Art Institute of Chicago's new master plan! They're adding more galleries and exhibits and it's gonna be SO cool 
And can we talk about how awesome it is that they're featuring more art from ancient Americas and Indigenous cultures? It's so important to showcase those voices and stories in museums 
I'm also loving the fact that they're engaging with local communities through exhibitions and programs. It's all about inclusivity and accessibility, you know? 
it's like a dream come true for art lovers in Chicago. But what I'm really curious about is how they're gonna make sure all these new additions fit with the existing collection 
and how they're gonna keep it relevant to the community 
Debra Kerr makes some valid points about operational costs tho 
Still, it's clear James Rondeau cares deeply about leadin' this institution into the future & makin' sure art is for everyone 
They're always looking ahead and adapting to what's next. I mean, who doesn't love Remedios Varo's surrealist vibes? 
. The Art Institute's making it all about self-reflection and growth, which is so admirable. I'm keeping an eye on how this whole expansion thing plays out, but for now, it feels like a win-win-win!
The Art Institute of Chicago is still gonna need a lot more money to fix all those old buildings lol. I mean, they got a bunch of new galleries but it's still like 90% old stuff 
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! I've been a fan girl of James Rondeau since he took over in 2016 
, and it's so awesome to see him putting his vision into action 
. And can we talk about the Horvitz gift?! 