Albuquerque Museum Welcomes New Director

ALBUQUERQUE NM - May 29, 2018 - After a nationwide search, the Albuquerque Museum has a new director. Mr. Andrew Connors, previously Curator of Art, has been selected to lead the museum forward.

"After several months of solid leadership under Acting Director Cynthia Garcia, we are pleased to bring Andrew onboard in this new capacity," stated Mayor Tim Keller. "Andrew brings extensive experience in Southwest art and community and innovative vision to maintain the Albuquerque Museum's position as one of the premier collecting museums in the state and in the region."

Compared to the other finalists, it was Connors’ extensive experience nationally that made him the clear choice. A Southwest native, Connors studied Art History and Architecture at Yale University. Previously he served as Senior Curator at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque and as Associate Curator at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. He has curated dozens of exhibitions primarily in the areas of United States Latino Art, Colonial Art from Puerto Rico, contemporary art, and street art. As a lecturer, guest teacher, or consultant, he has worked with numerous organizations including the National Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Office of Folklife Programs, Institute for Latino Studies at the University of Notre Dame, Chicano Studies Department at the University of California Los Angeles, and the Royal Government of Bhutan.

"We are pleased to hire a Museum director who brings national and international experience, hand-in-hand with a deep and demonstrated commitment to the arts, history, and people of Albuquerque and New Mexico,” says Cultural Services Director Dr. Shelle Sanchez. “Mr. Connors has the dedication and knowledge to steer the Albuquerque Museum into the future with an eye towards community and inclusion.”

Per City Ordinance 10-4-1-4, the Albuquerque Museum Board of Trustees manages the search process for the position of Director. The Trustees then interview and present a list of three recommendations to the Chief Administrative Officer for approval. This process yielded a competitive pool of candidates from across the country.

Mr. Andrew Connors will assume his directorship of the Albuquerque Museum on or before June 23rd. The Director of the Albuquerque Museum oversees three properties, 30 employees and a collection of more than 200,000 historic photographs, historic artifacts, and works of art.