This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The Utah Museum of Contemporary Art has a new boss.
Kristian Anderson has been chosen to be the museum's new executive director.
Andrson most recently was the first full-time director of the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries, a national organization specializing in education and advocacy for museums. He also has run contemporary art spaces at the University of Washington and the University of Colorado, and at both locations is credited with increasing attendance, funding and national recognition.
Maggie Willis, UMOCA's interim director, said in a statement that "Kristian is just what UMOCA needs to move forward in its path of excellence. He is a true visionary, an accomplished director and administrator and is committed to the success of the museum and contemporary art in this region."
In the same statement, Anderson said he has been following UMOCA for awhile "because of their exceptional contemporary art programming and the innovative and inspiring way they engage with the greater Utah community and beyond."
Anderson starts his new job at UMOCA, at 20 S. West Temple in downtown Salt Lake City, in February.