Posted on December 18, 2008

Two Los Angeles Art Museums Consider Merger

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art are contemplating a merger that would preserve the independence and integrity of both institutions while combining their operations and infrastructure.

According to a LACMA press release, the executive committee of the board of Museum Associates, the nonprofit that operates LACMA, has presented a plan to the MOCA board outlining the terms of a proposed merger. If a merger is approved, MOCA's collection would be exhibited at the Geffen Contemporary, the Broad Contemporary Art Museum, and the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Exhibition Pavilion (currently under construction) at LACMA. The merger would not involve financial support from Los Angeles County.

According to LACMA board chair Andrew Gordon, a merger of board leadership, including some of MOCA's founders and artists, "could provide a unique platform for the preservation and growth of MOCA's programs, under MOCA's name, with expanded facilities." Gordon added that he anticipated the continuation of a robust exhibition program for MOCA consistent with a commitment to operate the combined organization with a balanced budget.

"MOCA's international reputation is richly deserved, having created one of the finest collections and programs of contemporary art in the world," said Michael Govan, LACMA chief executive and director of that museum's Wallis Annenberg photography department. "The exhibition of its extraordinary permanent collection, the continuation of its renowned exhibition program, and its commitment to living artists are of paramount importance for the cultural life of Los Angeles. Our proposal is structured to achieve these goals."