Derrick Cartwright Archives

Thank You

Seattle Art Museum on Jun 30 2011

This is my final week as the museum’s Director. When I inaugurated SAM’s blog in September of 2009, I imagined that this would become a place for demystifying the inner workings of an art museum. I hope it has served this purpose on a few occasions. My colleagues have certainly made good use of SOAP as a space for sharing their deep expertise as well as their great enthusiasm for what is happening everyday at the museum. I’d like to use this, my last SOAP contribution, as a chance to offer reflections on what has transpired at SAM recently and why I am humbled by the experience of having served as a leader here.

Important News about SAM

Seattle Art Museum on May 10 2011

I am writing to inform you of my decision to resign as Director of the Seattle Art Museum effective June 30^th. This was a difficult decision for me but with SAM today in a much stronger position than when I arrived, I believe the time is right for a change in leadership.

When the fiscal year ends on June 30^th, we will post what might well be the most successful year in SAM’s 78-year history:

More visitors than ever to Downtown SAM (projected to be nearly 600,000)
Membership at an all time high (more than 48,000 household members)
Increased levels of community engagement
Picasso exhibition which had region-wide impact
Stabilization of our financial situation and real estate dilemma

I am proud that SAM has achieved so much and I am confident that the institution will continue to build on this success.

I am eager for a break and for the chance to undertake my own projects. First, I aim to spend more time with my family and refresh my professional perspective. My passion for art history has been on hold while I focused on the most urgent administrative and financial challenges here. Now, I want to re-establish my personal connection with the artists, objects, and ideas that got me into museum work in the first place. My family and I have fallen in love with Seattle and we expect to remain here, so I hope to see you often.

Please know that I am grateful for having had this opportunity to serve the Seattle Art Museum and this community.

Sincerely,

Derrick R. Cartwright

Illsley Ball Nordstrom Director

May Highlights for SAM Downtown, Seattle Asian Art Museum and Olympic Sculpture Park

Seattle Art Museum on Apr 29 2011

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