Press Release

Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block Appoints Norah Diedrich as Jon and Linda Ender Director and Chief Executive Officer

Tucson, Arizona – The Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block (TMA) Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Norah Diedrich as the Jon and Linda Ender Director and Chief Executive Officer after an extensive national search. Diedrich will lead the 98-year-old museum, which is comprised of a four-acre campus inclusive of five historic properties, galleries, an art education center, and research library. The museum boasts a permanent collection containing more than 10,000 objects and focuses on Art of the American West, Contemporary Art, Indigenous Arts, Latin American Art, and Modern Art.

“Norah brings a wealth of experience and community leadership skills along with her astute capabilities as a director to provide Tucson Museum of Art with our continued path toward excellence for our museum. Her experience in creating successful financial stability, accreditation processes, strategic planning, and marketing all support the museum’s momentum moving into the upcoming Centennial celebration,” said Mary Jo Brown, President of the Board of Trustees. “We are thrilled to welcome Norah into the community.”

As Executive Director of the Newport Art Museum in Newport, Rhode Island for the last seven years, Diedrich oversaw the 3-acre campus with galleries housed in two historically significant buildings featuring a permanent collection and special exhibitions. During her tenure, Diedrich led the institution to reaccreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, crafted an updated mission and strategic plan, increased endowment, fundraising, membership, developed planned giving, and initiated a diversity and inclusion initiative.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Tucson Museum of Art, a highly-regarded institution dedicated to connecting art to life,” said Norah Diedrich. “The opportunity to develop an updated strategic plan, deepen relationships with Tucson’s diverse business and artistic communities, and make plans for TMA’s centennial celebration in 2024 is very exciting. I look forward to working with the museum’s talented and dedicated staff and trustees as we embrace the importance of inclusivity, community participation and sustainability, today’s markers of thriving museums.”

Prior to joining the Newport Art Museum, Diedrich was the Executive Director of the Evanston Art Center, Cultural Programs Manager at the Alliance Française de Chicago, Manager of Public Programs at Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and worked in the business world as a creative consultant, copywriter, and a creative director. Diedrich is an accomplished photographer and instructor.

Diedrich holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois, a Museum Studies Professional Certificate from Northwestern University as well as a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management from Spertus College in Chicago.

John-Peter Wilhite, Trustee and Search Committee member stated, “I am excited about Norah becoming the next Jon and Linda Ender Director and Chief Executive Officer of Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block. I look forward to working with and supporting her in this role especially as she begins to engage with the Southern Arizona community. She understands the importance of TMA continuing to build and develop diverse community relationships and partnerships and is committed to working with the staff and Board to do the same.”

Diedrich steps into the role at the start of the new year.

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Museum Hours:
Thursday – Sunday
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

About Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block
As an institution built upon the original territories of the O’odham, the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block (TMA) acknowledges the Indigenous Sonoran Desert communities, past and present, who have stewarded this region throughout generations.

TMA connects art to life through meaningful and engaging experiences that inspire discovery, spark creativity and promote cultural understanding. Founded in 1924, TMA encompasses an entire city block in historic downtown Tucson and is committed to developing quality exhibitions, expanding and diversifying its collection and presenting relevant and innovative programs while broadening public access to the arts.

The museum features exhibitions of Modern and Contemporary art, Latin American art from ancient to today, Indigenous arts and Art of the American West. A permanent collection of over 10,000 works of art spans continents, centuries and media. TMA’s campus includes five properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, an art education center and research library, the Museum Store and the highly acclaimed museum restaurant Café a la C’Art. TMA is a private 501(c)(3) charitable arts and education organization. For additional information visit TucsonMuseumofArt.org or call (520) 624-2333.