The changing season also brings a change at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) today. The museum has named Salvador Salort-Pons, an internationally respected curator and scholar as its new director, president, and CEO effective October 15, 2015.
Since 2011, Salort-Pons, a Madrid native, has served as the DIA’s European Art Department, and in 2013, he became the museum’s executive director of collection strategies and information. He also serves as the Elizabeth and Allan Shelden Curator of European Paintings at the DIA.
He has published two books and several scientific articles in British, Spanish, and Italian journals and exhibition catalogues. He holds a master’s in geography and history, a master’s in business administration, and a doctorace in the history of art.
Salort-Pons will replace Graham W. J. Beal, who retired as director of the DIA on June 30.
“Salvador’s scholarship, extensive knowledge of the DIA, his international experience and his management skills make him the ideal choice to lead the DIA in the coming years,” said Gene Gargaro, chair of the DIA board and chair of the search committee. “His success in overseeing one of the most important European art collections in the country was among the many factors that made Salvador such an appealing candidate to the Search committee.”
The decision to select Salort-Pons as the DIA’s new director wasn’t taken lightly. According to Gargaro, the board of directors spent nine months evaluating candidates for the DIA.
Salort-Pons is looking forward to his time as DIA Director, and he has big plans for one of Detroit’s gems.
“I am honored and excited at this opportunity to lead one of the world’s finest museums. Over the last seven years I developed a deep admiration for its outstanding encyclopedic art collection and I have the highest regard for its talented and dedicated staff,” said Salort-Pons in a statement.
“With the tri-county millage in place and the City of Detroit’s bankruptcy successfully completed, I believe the DIA is poised to move forward in engaging our local and regional communities as well as advancing our international profile. I want to build on our visitor-centered approach, making our extraordinary art collection relevant to broad and diverse audiences. I envision the DIA as both a place for scholarly research and a leader in learning and interpretation, which will provide fresh knowledge, ample accessibility and opportunities to all our communities.”
