SAN FRANCISCO, CA.- The Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco has recently been awarded $350,000 over two years from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to support the Museum’s first-ever Chief of Curatorial Affairs and Public Programs.

With this newly created leadership position, MoAD aims to elevate its presence as a global leader within the contemporary art world in presenting and celebrating art from a uniquely African Diasporic perspective. The Chief of Curatorial Affairs and Public Programs will oversee the design of a strategic direction for the Museum’s exhibitions and programs; lead globally on identifying and promoting emerging artists from the African Diaspora; and expand MoAD’s reach and influence locally, nationally, and internationally.

The first-time hire is expected to be made by fall 2021. A committee that will include distinguished scholars and arts and cultural professionals is currently being convened to conduct a global search for candidates.

“MoAD is so honored to be recognized by The Mellon Foundation for our work and to be supported in our vision for the future,” says Monetta White, Executive Director, MoAD. “This new role will be key in the development of a cohesive curatorial vision that will set the standard and pace for the Museum’s exhibitions, research, educational programs, and community engagement, while simultaneously elevating the museum in the contemporary art world.”

MoAD’s Chief of Curatorial Affairs and Public Programs will be responsible for the overall management and execution of the Museum’s curatorial vision, including its exhibitions, publications, and public and educational programs, as well as playing an important role in outreach, communications, and digital strategy.

MoAD produces and presents more than 10 exhibitions annually, including commissioned installations and both original and traveling exhibitions. The Museum’s public programs give scholarly interpretation to the exhibitions, as well as tell the story of the African Diaspora through varied artistic disciplines such as dance, music, poetry, and literature. Its education programs connect youth, educators, and the public to the historical, cultural, and intellectual contributions of the worldwide African Diaspora. MoAD’s international web audience, which grew by 300% during the pandemic, will continue to drive the development of innovative online programming.