MOCA Outgoing Director Leaves Early Amid Leadership Transition

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) has appointed former senior curator Ann Goldstein as its interim director, effective August 18. The Board of Trustees has launched an international search for a new permanent director to lead the museum’s future initiatives in contemporary art.

Less than a week ago, MOCA’s current director Johanna Burton announced her departure to take up a new role at the Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania. However, sources close to MOCA revealed that Burton’s actual last day was Friday, earlier than initially stated, marking a sudden leadership transition in the art world.

MOCA declined to comment on the timing of Burton’s departure or the discrepancy between when she said she was leaving and the museum’s announcement that Goldstein would take over. However, Burton confirmed her early departure to The Times, stating that she offered to stay until the last minute before starting her new job.

Goldstein has a long history with MOCA, having shaped her career at the museum since 1983. With her deep institutional knowledge and passion for contemporary art, Goldstein is well-positioned to maintain momentum during this transition period, ensuring the continued success of MOCA’s diverse exhibitions and programs.

MOCA has experienced significant leadership turnover over the past decade, with Burton being the fifth director to leave since 2008. Despite internal turmoil and external challenges, MOCA’s endowment hit a high watermark of $170 million at the time of Burton’s initial appointment, paving the way for future growth and development.