Former head of the National Portrait Gallery, Kim Sajet, appointed as director of Milwaukee Art Museum.
Kim Sajet Takes the Helm at Milwaukee Art Museum
Kim Sajet, a renowned museum director and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, has been appointed as the new director of the Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM). The announcement was made on Wednesday.
Sajet's career in the arts spans over two decades, with her most recent position being the director of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. She held this position until May 2021, when she was ousted due to her support for diversity initiatives within the museum. Despite being announced to be fired by then-President Trump, Sajet continued in her role briefly before stepping down.
Prior to her appointment at the MAM, Sajet served as vice-president and deputy director at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. She also held the position of director of corporate relations at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and served as president and CEO of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
During her 12-year tenure at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, Sajet introduced a contemporary perspective to the collections. Her exhibitions and public programs doubled museum attendance, and she raised more than $85 million for the gallery's operations and endowment. Major capital improvements were facilitated under her leadership, including the reinstallation of the America's Presidents gallery.
Sajet is an elected member of several prestigious arts organisations, including the Association of Art Museum Directors, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the International Council of Museums, and the National Academy of Design. She was also the host of the "Portraits" podcast, nominated for a Webby Award in 2025.
In her new role at the MAM, Sajet expressed enthusiasm for Milwaukee's cultural vibrancy and the museum's commitment to living artists and educational opportunities. Andy Nunemaker, chairman of the MAM board of trustees, stated that Sajet's role presents an opportunity to advance the museum's vision.
Currently, Sajet is writing a book on early photography and the Civil War era carte-de-visite album by American social reformer Emily Howland. Her appointment as the director of the MAM will commence on September 22.
With Sajet at the helm, the Milwaukee Art Museum is set to continue its commitment to promoting and celebrating art and culture while fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all.
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