SALT LAKE CITY, UT.- The Utah Museum of Contemporary Art Board of Trustees announced today that they have selected Laura Allred Hurtado to serve as the Executive Director of the museum.

Hurtado was the global acquisitions art curator for the Church History Museum. She has published broadly, including two books, has worked and/or curated exhibitions in New York City, San Francisco, and throughout Utah, at such places as San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Nox Contemporary, The Granary Art Center, The Utah Museum of Fine Arts, CUAC Contemporary, Riverside Church, the Rio Gallery, Columbia University, and the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art.

UMOCA board President Val Antczak stated, "Laura has the combination of knowledge and enthusiasm which will assure that UMOCA continues as a unique, vibrant showcase for contemporary art in Utah. She has been an integral part of the Utah art community for years, while following the contemporary art scene across borders and cultures and will build on our long history of bringing cutting edge contemporary art exhibitions to Utah."

"For nearly 90 years, the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art has been an aesthetic force and community leader in Utah and beyond. I am honored and humbled to be a part of that longstanding legacy and to join a strong, passionate, hardworking and committed team - of trustees, staff, visitors, volunteers, and supporters," declared Hurtado. "With a focus on experimentation, exploration, innovation, and community, UMOCA is a refuge for many - a space of community that creates critical dialogue around those issues that matter most."

Alan Johnson, Director of Church History Museum added, "During her time at the Church History Museum, Laura has been instrumental in identifying and developing well-received exhibitions for our patrons. This experience, along with her innate passion for excellence and knack for innovation, make her an excellent fit to lead the UMOCA team."

UMOCA's Board of Trustees are confident that Laura will be an articulate advocate for contemporary art in Utah and look forward to her joining UMOCA on April 1.