For the 18th episode of "Reading the Art World," host Megan Fox Kelly speaks with Daniel Weiss, author of "Why the Museum Matters" published in 2022 by Yale University Press.
"Why the Museum Matters" offers Daniel Weiss's unique perspective as both a museum leader, art historian, and cultural thinker. Reading this book leaves you newly inspired by how our museums can enrich all of us individually and expand the minds and worlds of our communities and future generations.
There is currently a moment of reckoning for many museums, in which they're asked to respond to questions about diversity and inequality, their funding sources, their collections, exhibitions and programming, and how to meet the changing expectations of their audiences and communities. In his book, Dan makes a powerful case for why museums will continue to be essential to any society, why they matter as stewards of culture, places to generate new ideas, to build communities, advanced learning and understanding, and create spaces of beauty and permanence.
Dan Weiss is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He was previously President of Haverford College and Lafayette College. Dan holds an MBA from Yale University and a PhD from Johns Hopkins University, where he was Dean of the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences. He received his BA in art history and psychology from the George Washington University. Author of seven books and numerous articles, Dan Weiss was previously a management consultant at Booz, Allen & Hamilton in New York.
"Reading the Art World" is a live interview and podcast series with leading art world authors hosted by art advisor Megan Fox Kelly. The conversations explore timely subjects in the world of art, design, architecture, artists and the art market, and are an opportunity to engage further with the minds behind these insightful new publications.
Megan Fox Kelly is an art advisor and past President of the Association of Professional Art Advisors who works with collectors, estates and foundations.
For more information, visit meganfoxkelly.com and subscribe to our new posts.
Follow us on Instagram: @meganfoxkelly
Purchase "Why the Museum Matters" at Yale University Press.
Music composed by Bob Golden.