NORTH MIAMI, FLA.- The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), North Miami has tapped Chana Budgazad Sheldon to be its new executive director starting Jan. 17. Sheldon will lead the museum going forward as it continues to make contemporary art accessible to diverse audiences.

Sheldon comes to MOCA in North Miami with 17 years’ experience in the contemporary art field. She has directed both commercial and nonprofit exhibition spaces, and most recently served as the Miami director and national program advisor for ProjectArt, a nonprofit organization that provides free after-school art classes to underserved youth in public libraries through an artist residency program.

“Art and culture can transform lives and communities.” says Sheldon. “MOCA, through its exhibitions and programming, has for decades been a key hub of cultural engagement for the local community and beyond. My focus as the museum’s new director will be to facilitate that engagement and foster connections between artists, the local community, and the global dialogue in contemporary art about the issues of our time. I am thrilled to be a part of this new chapter in MOCA’s history.”

Previously, Sheldon was the executive director of Locust Projects, Miami’s long running nonprofit experimental exhibition space. During her eight-year tenure there, she produced over 70 exhibitions, initiated the organization’s first public art and educational programs, and oversaw major institutional growth.

Sheldon started her career at Casey Kaplan, a contemporary art gallery in New York City, where she worked for seven years, ultimately becoming its director.

A Miami Beach resident, Sheldon has served four years on the city’s Art in Public Places Committee. The committee, appointed by the city commission, is responsible for commissioning new public artworks by contemporary artists in all media.

“Chana Sheldon is an accomplished visual arts professional and has a deep knowledge of contemporary art and artists, and a passion for Greater Miami’s cultural life,” said Michael Spring, director of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs. “She is respected by artists and arts colleagues locally and nationally. I am excited that she will be dedicating her considerable talent, energy and enthusiasm to leading the Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami into its next era of success in serving the City of North Miami and our entire community. Ms. Sheldon, MOCA, and the City can count on the continued strong support of our Department of Cultural Affairs.”

“We are so pleased to have Chana Sheldon join our community. Her leadership and expertise will undoubtedly drive MOCA into its next exciting chapter. Her vision and talents will position the Museum for continued growth and exposure both locally and nationally,” said Larry M. Spring, City Manager of North Miami.