Heidi Reitmaier has been appointed the Executive Director and CEO of the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto Canada (MOCA). Reitmaier will be joining MOCA in January 2018 from the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA) where she is currently the Dr. Robert N. Mayer Director of Learning and Public Programs.
“I am pleased to welcome Heidi to this key role,” says MOCA Board of Directors Chair Julia Ouellette. “We set out to find someone with an excitement for how contemporary art museums can play a role on the world stage. With her experience here, in the UK and in the US, she will add an extraordinary global perspective and a track record of bringing relevance and engagement with the contemporary art, artists and ideas of our times.”
At the MCA, Reitmaier was most recently responsible for leading the strategic initiative to re-imagine how education and public programming could engage with a diverse set of communities as both a cultural catalyst and a conversation hub. The result was a $16 million space redesign, a program with expanded reach, and a new take on artistic and community collaboration.
Reitmaier’s work in arts and culture spans over 20 years, having held curatorial and leadership roles with the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Tate, London, alongside roles in education (Institute of Contemporary Arts, London), broadcasting (BBC), digital marketing (Eyestorm.com) and publishing (Women’s Art Magazine, Women’s Art Library). She is a sought-after consultant/advisor, lecturer, has served on several arts advisory boards and is an alumni of the Getty Leadership Institute Program 2016.
“I’m thrilled to be returning to my home town and an opportunity to be part of growing Toronto’s profile internationally, particularly at a time when the voices of today’s contemporary artists are increasingly relevant and compelling,” Reitmaier says, “It will be exciting to deepen the role the institution plays as a space of experimentation and innovation for artists and audiences within the diverse Canadian landscape. I look forward to working with staff, board, supporters, partners, visitors and artists to build on the history of MOCA Toronto and shape the thinking and direction of its future.”
In this role, Reitmaier will report to the Board of Directors and be responsible for advancing MOCA’s mission, leading strategic visioning of the institution, growing community support, the museum’s financial capacity, visitor reach and global profile, supported by a strong and passionate team of professionals.
About the Museum of Contemporary Art
For over 20 years, the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto Canada (MOCA) has been exhibiting, researching, collecting and nurturing innovative contemporary art and cultural practices that engage with and address issues and themes relevant to our times. It is currently in a defining phase of its evolution, creating a new home for contemporary art in Toronto that will reflect and bolster the city and country’s reputations as phenomenal places to think, create and shape the future.
In spring 2018, MOCA will open in its new 55,000 square foot purpose-designed home in the iconic, heritage Auto Building situated in the heart of Toronto’s evolving Junction Triangle neighbourhood. It will function as an inclusive cultural catalyst where artists and audiences can step into a wider world of contemporary art, and be part of a global movement defined by new ideas and new forms.
The expanded museum will realize its vision through bold and innovative programming. Three exhibition phases each year will be bolstered by strategic permanent collection development and integrated learning opportunities such as workshops, talks, screenings and much more. Across all areas of its programming, MOCA will engage in collaborative partnerships with like-minded local, regional, national and international artists, organizations and institutions.
The evolution of the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto Canada is made possible through a unique alliance with Castlepoint Greybrook Sterling Inc., public sector funders, private donors, members, sponsors and a network of cross-sectoral partners.
Media Contacts
Bettina Goesele | MOCA
bgoesele@museumofcontemporaryart.ca
Blair Mlotek | A&C
blair@acteam.ca