News Summary
Kim Sajet has been appointed the new director of the Milwaukee Art Museum, starting September 22. She brings extensive experience from the National Portrait Gallery, where she significantly increased attendance and funding. Sajet aims to help the MAM navigate financial challenges while enhancing public engagement and accessibility in the arts. Her leadership comes at a pivotal time as the museum celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Bradley Collection of Modern Art.
Milwaukee – Kim Sajet has been appointed as the new director of the Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM), starting her role on September 22. She succeeds Marcelle Polednik, who left the museum at the end of July after a nine-year tenure.
Sajet’s hiring follows her resignation from the National Portrait Gallery, where she served as director for 12 years. Her departure was marked by a public disagreement with President Donald Trump, who inaccurately claimed he had dismissed her. The Smithsonian Institution clarified that personnel decisions at the gallery fall under its authority, not that of the president. Sajet expressed that resigning was in the best interest of the institution.
During her time at the National Portrait Gallery, Sajet significantly increased attendance, doubling the number of visitors, and raised over $85 million for its operations and endowment. This track record positions her as a strong candidate to lead MAM during its own period of financial restructuring.
The Milwaukee Art Museum recently faced challenges due to rising operational costs, leading to difficult staffing decisions. Under Sajet’s leadership, the museum hopes to navigate these financial issues while enhancing public engagement with its diverse collection, which includes the notable Bradley Collection of 20th-century art and a significant selection of Haitian art.
Sajet holds degrees from prestigious institutions, including the University of Melbourne and Georgetown University, alongside a wealth of experience in the art world. Before her directorship at the National Portrait Gallery, she was the CEO of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and has held key roles in various other cultural institutions. Her academic and professional background is complemented by her ongoing work on a book about early photography for Princeton University Press.
As museums globally are called to adapt to modern financial realities, especially following the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sajet emphasizes the importance of connecting with younger audiences. Recognizing the critical need for accessibility in the arts, she draws from personal experiences with her intellectually disabled, deaf, and autistic brother, which inform her approach to inclusion in museum programming and engagement strategies.
In addition to actively participating in current art discussions, Sajet is also focused on the Milwaukee Art Museum’s upcoming tribute exhibition, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Bradley Collection of Modern Art. This milestone event aims to further draw in community engagement and highlight the museum’s commitment to its mission of providing art access to the public.
As Sajet prepares to step into her new role, she highlights her enthusiasm for the Milwaukee Art Museum’s rich collection and the potential it has to captivate and educate diverse audiences. With her extensive background and vision, Sajet appears poised to lead MAM into a new chapter of growth and engagement in the artistic landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- The New York Times
- WTMJ
- Artforum
- Hyperallergic
- Wikipedia: Milwaukee Art Museum
- Google Search: Milwaukee Art Museum
- Google Scholar: Kim Sajet
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Milwaukee Art Museum
- Google News: Milwaukee Art Museum Kim Sajet
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
