Jorge Daniel Veneciano in mid August announced that he was stepping down as executive director of El Museo del Barrio to pursue new opportunities. It’s become clear that Veneciano’s next challenge will be bringing greater visibility to New York City’s Museum of Arts and Design (MAD).
“We are thrilled to welcome Daniel to MAD,” stated Board Chair Michele Cohen. “In addition to strong leadership skills, he brings to the Museum decades of experience at national contemporary art institutions, and his vision will enable us to further connect with our diverse city and visitors.”
The Argentine scholar of contemporary arts is expected to support and expand scholarship and the vision of the museum’s chief curator, Shannon R. Stratton, as MAD continues to present cutting-edge exhibitions that showcase modern visual art and culture through the lens of craft.
“I have been enthralled with MAD ever since it opened on Columbus Circle,” said Veneciano. “The Museum has been nothing short of magical in its presentations, and I’d like to see it reach more visitors and new audiences, to share with them the Museum’s attention to the power of art in the making of worldly things. MAD is brimming with potential, and I am excited to work with its passionate board and staff in directing the Museum to its destiny of leadership among New York institutions.”
Before joining El Museo, Veneciano served as the Director of the Sheldon Museum of Art in Lincoln, Nebraska (2008–2013), where increasing diversity in visitors was a top priority. An equally accomplished curator, Veneciano worked at the Studio Museum in Harlem (1994–1999) and the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (1991–1994).