Artpace Bids Farewell to Executive Director Matthew J. W. Drutt

01.25.11

San Antonio, TX - After more than four years at Artpace San Antonio, Matthew J. W. Drutt is leaving his position as Executive Director. Drutt joined Artpace in 2006 with an aggressive plan to expand recognition for Artpace's residencies, exhibitions, and educational programs. Under his leadership, Artpace accomplished significant initiatives including the completion of its first Strategic Plan and a Public Dimension evaluation of the Museum Assessment Program.

In 2010, Drutt led Artpace in the celebration of its fifteenth anniversary, highlighted by a successful Quinceañera gala honoring Artpace's first Board Chair Jeanne Klein and her husband Michael Klein, and the first comprehensive U.S. survey of the billboard works of the late Artpace 95.1 fellow Felix Gonzalez-Torres. For the April 10, 2010 gala Drutt commissioned specially created "dream works" from past residents to raise funds for Artpace's operations. The 29 works commemorating the legacy of Artpace founder Linda Pace were collected in a special 2010 publication, DreamWorks.

His compelling vision for Artpace emphasized an international curatorial vision and widespread exposure for its high-caliber programming. Building on Artpace's impressive legacy, which has welcomed 163 residents since 1995, Drutt invited diverse and recognized guest curators to Artpace to select artists for its signature International Artist-in-Residence (IAIR) program. He brought such popular exhibitions to the Hudson (Show)Room as David Adjaye: Making Public Buildings and On the Road. In 2007, he introduced a commissioning aspect to Hudson (Show)Room exhibitions to align the program with Artpace's core IAIR, resulting in important new works by artists Kate Gilmore, Marie Lorenz, Oliver Lutz, Matthew Ronay, and others.

"Matthew has been instrumental in furthering Artpace's history," says J. Travis Capps, Jr., Chair of Artpace's Board of Directors. "Under his leadership, Artpace mounted the most ambitious exhibition in its history - the statewide presentation of Felix Gonzalez-Torres: Billboards - and developed a professional staff which provides unmatched contemporary art programming that is accessible and free to the public."

Drutt was at the helm when Artpace lost its founder, artist Linda Pace in 2007. "Despite this difficult time, Drutt was there to keep the organization strong," said Capps. His leadership extended beyond Artpace into the community as well, where he contributed expertise to cultural arts initiatives including Public Art San Antonio, The Cultural Alliance of San Antonio, and the San Antonio River Foundation. In 2008, he served as inaugural co-chair of the first Luminaria: Arts Night in San Antonio which welcomed thousands to the city's center for performing and visual arts. In addition to extensive involvement in the San Antonio community, Drutt also participates on national and international boards including Etant donné Arts Advisory Committee (since 2009); the Association of Art Museum Directors (since 2009); Dokumenta International Advisory Board, Kassel, Germany (2006-2007); Art Advisory Board, American Academy, Berlin, Germany (2005-07); and The Arts Initiative Houston (Vice-president 2005-2009).

A national search for a new director to lead Artpace is currently underway. Artpace's development director Mary Heathcott has been appointed Interim Managing Director in charge of operations until the position of Executive Director is filled.

About Artpace
Artpace San Antonio serves as an international laboratory for the creation and advancement of contemporary art. Artpace believes that art is a dynamic social force that inspires individuals and defines cultures. Our residencies, exhibitions, and education programs nurture the creative expression of emerging and established artists, while actively engaging youth and adult audiences.

Artpace is located downtown at 445 North Main Avenue, between Savings and Martin streets, San Antonio, Texas. Free parking is available at 513 North Flores Street. Artpace is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, 12-5 PM, and by appointment. Admission is free.

445 North Main Avenue San Antonio TX 78205 t 210 212 4900 f 210 212 4990 www.artpace.org