Nola Reporter

The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) has appointed Anne Collins Smith as its new Chief Curator. Smith, who took on the role in September 2024, will lead NOMA's collection and exhibition initiatives and manage the museum's team of curators, conservators, and collections staff. Her responsibilities include overseeing presentations of modern and contemporary art with a focus on African American art.

Susan M. Taylor, The Montine McDaniel Freeman Director of NOMA, expressed enthusiasm about Smith's appointment: "Anne Collins Smith is an accomplished curator, art historian, and museum leader, and we are thrilled to welcome her to NOMA in this crucial position. Her experience in institutions across the country and her perspective as a native New Orleanian make her an important addition to our staff."

Smith previously served as director of the Xavier University of Louisiana Art Gallery. Her career includes roles such as Curator of Collections at Spelman College Museum of Fine Art in Atlanta and Andrew W. Mellon Curatorial Fellow at the Davis Museum and Cultural Center at Wellesley College. In 2021, she was selected for a fellowship with the Center for Curatorial Leadership.

Reflecting on her new role, Smith stated: "This appointment is the opportunity of a lifetime and a testimony to perseverance and my dedication to curatorial practice. I look forward to advancing NOMA’s mission and shepherding exemplary art experiences with our dynamic team of curators." She also highlighted how curators serve as "interlocutors between art, artists, and the community," a principle guiding her career.

In conjunction with Smith's appointment, Lisa Rotondo-McCord has assumed the position of Deputy Director at NOMA while continuing as Curator of Asian Art.

NOMA continues its commitment to showcasing diverse perspectives through its exhibitions and educational programs. The museum houses nearly 50,000 works with notable holdings in various artistic disciplines. Its Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden further enriches visitors' experiences with nearly 100 sculptures displayed in a unique landscape setting.