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 / Modified aug 17, 2016 12:13 p.m.

MOCA Executive Director Samuel Ireland to Step Down

A national search for his successor is underway.
by Vanessa Barchfield

MOCA Exterior
Photo courtesy of MOCA

Sam Ireland Portrait Samuel Ireland
Courtesy of Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson

Tucson Museum of Contemporary Art Executive Director Samuel Ireland will step down from his position at the end of this month.

According to a press release, Ireland will be pursuing independent curatorial and art-related business projects.

He became interim director in May 2015 and was named executive director last September.

MOCA Board of Directors President Courtney Johnson says Ireland’s departure comes at a time when the museum is in good health.

"Our memberships are up, attendance is up, we've had some great shows, and a lot of that was due to Sam’s hard work," said Johnson.

She said she’s looking forward to what’s next for MOCA.

"I think this is a good move for Sam, it’s a good move for the museum," she said. "We love Sam, and hopefully, if he stays in Tucson, he’ll continue to be part of everything we do."

Johnson said a national search has already begun and she hopes a new executive director will be announced sometime this autumn.

MORE: Arts and Life, Culture, Museums, News, Tucson
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