The Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia has announced the appointment of Connie H. Choi as its new Chief Curator and Vice President for Art and Education, a newly established position. This move follows the departure of Nancy Ireson, the former Chief Curator and Deputy Director for Collections and Exhibitions. Choi, who will start her tenure on September 8, brings a wealth of experience from her nearly decade-long career at the Studio Museum in Harlem, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the museum's curatorial direction, including its recent reopening.
During her time at the Studio Museum, Choi distinguished herself through a variety of significant projects. Notably, she led the curation for the new building's collection hang, 'From Now: A Collection in Context,' and organized a comprehensive survey of artist Tom Lloyd, the subject of the Studio Museum's inaugural exhibition. Her curatorial portfolio also includes critically acclaimed exhibitions such as 'Black Refractions: Highlights from The Studio Museum in Harlem' and 'Their Own Harlems.' Beyond her museum work, Choi has shared her expertise by teaching art history at prestigious institutions like Barnard College, Columbia University, and New York University, underscoring her deep commitment to arts pedagogy.
In her new capacity at the Barnes Foundation, Choi will be instrumental in aligning the institution's curatorial and educational vision with its overarching strategic objectives. Her responsibilities will span the oversight of several key departments, including curatorial, collections, conservation, and educational programs. Thom Collins, Executive Director and President of the Barnes, emphasized Choi's unique qualifications, highlighting her scholarly achievements and pioneering work on the material histories and cultures of the African diaspora as critical assets for fostering greater synergy across the foundation's diverse operations.
Connie H. Choi's appointment signifies a forward-looking step for the Barnes Foundation, emphasizing the vital connection between art and education. Her comprehensive background and innovative approach are poised to enrich the museum's offerings, broaden its scholarly impact, and inspire new generations through accessible and engaging artistic experiences.