KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI.- The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has hired Ian Kennedy as its new curator of European art. The post was left vacant when Roger L. Ward left last September. Museum director and chief executive officer Marc Wilson said, "This is one of the most significant curatorial appointments in memory. Suddenly, in one fell swoop, the Nelson is vaulted into a global position as far as its connection and access to resources are concerned. The museum is, quite frankly, operating in a different league thanks to Ian’s presence. There is not another curator more admired by his peers than Ian. When you’re stumped, who do you call? You call Ian." Kennedy stated, "The collection of European paintings in Kansas City is an extremely good one. It’s not a big collection, but it’s of very high quality. It’s really exciting to work with pictures like that."