Press Release

Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block (TMA) Jon and Linda Director and CEO, Jeremy Mikolajczak, to step down after leading the Museum for six years.

 

Tucson, AZ – The Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block announces that Jeremy Mikolajczak will step down in April after leading the Museum for six years. Mikolajczak has been appointed the Sybil Harrington Director and CEO of the Phoenix Art Museum.

“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as the Jon and Linda Ender Director and CEO at the Tucson Museum of Art. I am truly indebted to the Board of Trustees, an incredible staff, and  community for the opportunity to lead a significant institution.” Mikolajczak said. “Tucson and TMA will always be special places for me. Over the last six years, TMA has made significant strides in establishing itself as a regional leader of visual art, and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to be part of its history.”

During his tenure at TMA, Mikolajczak focused investment in the Museum’s four-acre downtown campus, increasing funding from private individuals and national foundations, including the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and enhancing community participation. He also prioritized growing national attention to the regional institution, advancing diversity and representation through curatorial efforts, establishing the community engagement department, and the direction of the museums’ strategic plan. Mikolajczak oversaw several significant acquisitions, including several private collections, increasing the permanent art collection by over 2,000 artworks, and worked with donors to establish the Contemporary Photography Fund.

Mikolajczak’s departure comes a little more than a year after TMA opened the Kasser Family Wing of Latin American Art, the first expansion of the Museum since 1975. During his tenure, other major infrastructure projects include the renovation of the main museum galleries, Alice Chaiten Baker Center for Art Education, Patricia Morgan and Peter Solomon Sculpture Garden, and the museums’ outdoor plaza.

“Jeremy’s tenure at Tucson Museum of Art was marked by his energy, enthusiasm, and passion,” said Mary Jo Brown, president of the Museum’s Board of Trustees. “Through his leadership and vision, TMA focused on enhancing the museum experience, advancing diversity through curatorial efforts and community engagement, and expanding our permanent collections to reflect our unique multi-cultural heritage. His influence will continue well into our future.”

In partnership with staff leadership, the Board of Trustees will initiate a transition plan and a national search for the Jon and Linda Ender Director and CEO to ensure the Museum’s success and continuity of services.

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About the 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 12,000 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. More info: TucsonMuseumofArt.org or (520) 624-2333