The Ogden Museum of Southern Art has been adjusting to several significant changes since the start of the year. Following the retirement of Museum Director of 10 years J. Richard Gruber in December, two staffers have begun to share co-directing duties at the Ogden. While splitting museum-directing responsibilities may seem unusual, institutions in New York and Atlanta have recently begun to realize the benefits of co-directors.
“Administration and curatorial offices often need two different sets of skills with different background and training,” explains David Houston, currently Chief Curator and half of the new directing duo. The museum’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer Lisa McCaffety will run the financial arm of the Ogden. Houston will continue his curatorial duties and manage day-to-day building operations. Overlapping issues will be solved jointly.
The hiring of Curator of Film Madeleine Molyneux was made possible when grant money was provided to the Ogden specifically for film programming outside of regular museum exhibits. All of Molyneaux’s previous film programming efforts have sold out, demonstrating the marked popularity the Ogden’s supplementary offerings have already garnered. Much like Ogden After Hours, the successful Thursday night music series, Molyneux’s programming is expected to become a mainstay at the museum. The Ogden hopes to continue increasing after-hour events for New Orleans residents and tourists alike.
