KANSAS CITY, MO.- After an extensive search spanning many months, a new Director of Education and Interpretive Programs has been named by The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City. Anne Manning comes to Kansas City from The Baltimore Museum of Art, where she oversees the Education and Interpretation, Library and Archives, and Exhibition Design and Installation Departments.

“As soon as we began talking with Anne, it was clear she was the person for whom we had been searching,” said Julián Zugazagoitia, Menefee D. and Mary Louise Blackwell CEO & Director of the Nelson-Atkins. “Anne has an excellent understanding of the big picture and vision for the future but also has command of the small details and strategies to lead a great department and create a successful museum experience for our visitors. Anne was the unanimous choice.”

During her tenure at the BMA, Manning led interpretive planning for the reinstallation of the Contemporary, American, African, and Asian Collections and directed the development of the Museum’s new Center for People and Art. At the Nelson-Atkins, Manning will be responsible for developing initiatives that create transformative and educationally enriching experiences for visitors.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Nelson-Atkins,” said Manning. “I look forward to working with colleagues and community partners to envision dynamic ways of engaging visitors with the Museum's world-class collection and scholarly pursuits.”

Prior to coming to her tenure in Baltimore, Manning served as the Curator of Education and Academic Affairs at the Blanton Museum of Art at The University of Texas at Austin. Her 22-year museum career includes experience at the Hood Museum of Art at Dartmouth College, the Allen Memorial Museum at Oberlin College, and the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh.

“Anne will play a critical role at the Nelson-Atkins in advancing the museum’s strategy of engaging new audiences, as well as improving and deepening the experience of our visitors,” said Chair of the Board of Trustees Shirley Bush Helzberg. “Her energy and enthusiasm for all forms of education opportunities, for scholarly endeavors, and for audience evaluation make her a wonderful fit for this leadership position.”

In 2014, the National Art Education Association recognized Manning’s contributions and achievements in the field by naming her National Museum Educator of the Year. From 2011-2013 she served on the Board of the National Art Education Association as the Museum Division Director. Manning currently sits on the College Art Association’s Museum Committee. She has a B.A. in Art History and Italian Language and Literature from Smith College, and an M.A. in Art History from the University of Pittsburgh.
Manning will be moving to Kansas City with her wife, Lisa, this fall. In her free time, she enjoys quilting, reading, music, and spending time with family and friends.