In a surprise announcement, the Museum of Arts and Design today made it official that Glenn Adamson, the Nanette L. Laitman Director of the museum since September 2013, will be stepping down from his position as of March 31, 2016. Adamson's tenure of two-and-a-half years is in sharp contrast to his immediate predecessor Holly Hotchner, who held the top position at the museum for 16 years, and the 24-year tenure of the museum's first director Paul J. Smith. Adamson, who wrote a sharp critique of MAD's new Columbus Circle museum building in a 2011 article in Art in America, was an unconventional choice to lead it. During his time at the museum, Adamson restructured the curatorial staff and broadened the focus of the museum to include "makers and making," even initiating a biennial celebration entitled "NYC Makers" in 2014 which included work by musicians and product designers alongside that of artists and traditional craftspeople.
After Adamson's departure, MAD managing director Robert Cundall will serve as interim director as the board of trustees begins its search for a new head. According to the official announcement, Adamson "will be leaving the museum to work on exhibition, research, and institutional development projects. He will continue to collaborate with MAD's curatorial team on the development of exhibitions through the fall of this year, including a major exhibition focusing on the groundbreaking work of ceramic sculptor Peter Voulkos."
The same announcement seeks to avoid any suggestions that Adamson's departure may have been due to his lack of fundraising experience, as it states: "Under his leadership, the financial position and visibility of the museum were strengthened, paving the way for MAD's future continued success."
"In collaboration with the staff and board of the museum, we have created a robust, well-rounded program that advances our distinguished mission, which focuses on the support of artists across disciplines while celebrating their skills and ideas," said Adamson in a prepared statement. "With a new senior team in place and an exciting program mapped out for the coming years, it is the right time for me to step down so I can work on a number of projects that are important to me and the field."
"Glenn has done a terrific job in leading MAD through a period of substantive institutional growth and in fostering the professionalism of our operations, and he has put a great team in place to carry forth his work," said MAD board chair Lewis Kruger in a prepared statement. "We are sorry to see him go and, on behalf of the trustees, staff, and audiences we serve, would like to thank him for all he has done for the museum."