BREAKING: The Philadelphia Art Museum (PhAM) has officially dismissed its Director and CEO, Sasha Suda, following an emergency board meeting yesterday, November 4, 2023. This shocking development comes just weeks after the museum launched a controversial rebranding effort.
According to initial reports from Philadelphia Magazine, Suda was terminated via email, citing “cause” without further explanation. This abrupt decision has left many in the art community questioning the future direction of the museum.
In a statement shared with Hyperallergic, PhAM confirmed that Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs and Conservation Louis Marchesano will oversee daily operations as the board searches for an interim director and CEO. The museum has not offered additional comments, labeling the termination as an “internal matter.”
Suda, a Canadian-born art historian with a notable background as the former director of the National Gallery of Canada, faced considerable challenges since her mid-2022 appointment. She inherited a tumultuous environment, including the fallout from her predecessor Timothy Rub, who resigned amid serious allegations of mishandling abuse reports. The museum has struggled with budget cuts and a decline in visitor numbers post-pandemic.
The situation further escalated when museum staff attempted to unionize in 2020, leading to a historic 19-day strike less than a month after Suda took charge. Tensions flared again in June 2023 when the union accused the museum of failing to comply with a contract provision regarding pay increases. A new three-year contract was ratified in July, but discontent lingered.
Adding to the controversy, the museum’s recent rebranding from the Philadelphia Museum of Art to the Philadelphia Art Museum, which cost at least $250,000, has drawn criticism from locals. Many viewed the change as unnecessary, although Suda defended it by stating it reflected what many already called the institution.
“When I mention to folks who aren’t engaged in the arts and culture community and I say ‘the PMA,’ they have no idea what I’m talking about — I just have to say, ‘the Art Museum,’” Suda explained in an interview.
However, PhAM trustees Jennifer Rice and Yoram (Jerry) Wind expressed that they were not fully informed about the rebranding’s rollout date of October 8, despite being kept in the loop about the process. A spokesperson for the museum reiterated that they remain committed to the rebranding efforts.
As the situation unfolds, the art community is left to ponder the implications of Suda’s dismissal on the museum’s future direction and its ongoing labor relations. Developing reports are expected as the board navigates this leadership change and its impact on the institution.
Stay tuned for updates on this urgent story as more information becomes available.
