The Future of the American Art Museum - The 92nd Street Y, New York

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92NY Humanities Audio Collection

Directions in the Arts

The Future of the American Art Museum

Dec 7, 1987


Henry T. Hopkins, director of the Frederick R. Weisman Foundation of Art, and Hilton Kramer, art critic and founding editor of The New Criterion, discuss the future of the American art museum, moderated by Hugh Southern, Deputy Chairman of Programs for the National Endowment for the Arts. Hopkins speaks about how factors such as uncertain finances and collection development can create a precarious and concerning position for art museums. Kramer echoes Hopkins’ concerns, adding that modern museums have undergone a number of changes to compete for relevancy, including expanding facilities, engaging corporate sponsors, increasing PR staffing, and generally increasing the number of museums available. Along with these changes, Kramer discusses the shift in collection focus from old masters works to contemporary art. Southern, Kramer, and Hopkins also discuss the “plight of the museum curator,” as well as the changing behavior of museum board members. The discussion concludes with audience questions. The series is presented in cooperation with The New Criterion magazine.

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