The Hispanic Society Museum in New York City is going to have a face lift. Over 100 years old, the museum, according to the Wall Street Journal, is filled with an art and book collection that is especially noteworthy. But, it must now raise some $100 million plus to become accessible and current. Speaking to its effort, the board chair stated:
“Our priority is to become a much more active center for Hispanic art and culture,” said Philippe de Montebello, chairman of the society’s board. Mr. de Montebello served as director of the Metropolitan Museum from 1977 to 2008 and is widely considered one of the most respected administrators in the museum world.
Clearly this is an important venture given the times but my interest is particularly focused on the fact that instead of the Museum's CEO being the front person, it is the board chair who is being featured. Rightly so I say not only because he is identified as an important person in the art world but because he is the lead volunteer and representative of the surrogate ownership. It is my firm belief that it is the Board Chair or other members who do well to stand out front to represent their institutions to the public as it is these individuals who are in fact, representing the interest of the public in their role as board members. Kudos to Mr. de Montebello and his board for taking their rightful position!