Jeremy Strick, the 68-year-old director of the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas, has announced his retirement, effective June 2024. Strick, who has led the institution for 15 out of its 20 years, is known for his commitment to diversity and innovative programming. During his tenure, he established the acclaimed Nasher Prize for Sculpture, which recognizes and honors living artists and has become one of the art world’s top honors. Strick’s retirement will mark the end of a transformative era for the institution, leaving behind a legacy of bold exhibitions, community engagement, and a profound impact on the art world. The board of trustees will conduct an international search for his successor.
Director of Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas announces retirement in 2024
The Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas has announced that its director, Jeremy Strick, will retire in June 2024. Strick has served as the director for 15 years, during which he has made significant contributions to the art world and transformed the center into a global destination. His retirement marks the end of an era for the institution, but also opens up new opportunities for growth and development under new leadership.
Background on Jeremy Strick
Jeremy Strick has had an illustrious career in art museums, spanning nearly 40 years. He joined the Nasher Sculpture Center as its director in 2009 and has since made a profound impact on the institution and the art community as a whole. His tenure has been characterized by a commitment to acquiring work by underrepresented artists and establishing the Nasher Prize for Sculpture, among other accomplishments.
Strick’s accomplishments and contributions to the art world
During his 15-year tenure as the director of the Nasher Sculpture Center, Jeremy Strick has achieved numerous accomplishments and made significant contributions to the art world. One of his most notable achievements is the establishment of the Nasher Prize for Sculpture, which has become one of the top honors in the field. Strick’s commitment to diversifying the center’s collection by acquiring work from female artists, artists of color, and L.G.B.T.Q. creators has also had a profound impact on the art world, opening up new spaces for underrepresented voices.
Strick’s decision to retire
Jeremy Strick has made the decision to retire in order to pursue independent projects and ideas. After nearly 40 years in the art museum industry, he feels it is the right time to explore new opportunities while he still has the time and energy to do so. Strick’s love for working with artists and his desire to build on the relationships and ideas he has developed over the years have been driving factors behind his decision to retire.
Establishing the Nasher Prize for Sculpture
Overview of the Nasher Prize for Sculpture
The Nasher Prize for Sculpture is an esteemed award presented to a living artist in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the field of sculpture. Established by Jeremy Strick during his tenure as the director of the Nasher Sculpture Center, the prize carries a cash award of $100,000. What sets this prize apart is its focus on honoring artists for their entire body of work and the impact they have made on the art world as a whole.
Significance and impact of the prize in the art world
The Nasher Prize for Sculpture has quickly gained recognition as one of the most prestigious honors in the art world. By honoring living artists and celebrating their contributions to the field of sculpture, the prize has shed light on the incredible talent and innovation within the discipline. It has also provided a platform for artists to receive recognition and support, both financially and through increased visibility.
Artists who have received the Nasher Prize
Since its establishment in 2016, the Nasher Prize for Sculpture has been awarded to eight artists. Among them are five women, highlighting the prize’s commitment to promoting gender equality in the art world. The recipients of the prize have made significant contributions to the field and have pioneered new forms and techniques in sculpture. The prize has not only recognized their work but has also elevated the standing of sculpture as a medium.
Diversifying the Collection
Strick’s efforts to acquire work by female artists
One of Jeremy Strick’s notable contributions to the Nasher Sculpture Center has been his commitment to diversifying the center’s collection by acquiring work from female artists. Strick recognized the historical underrepresentation of women in the art world and sought to rectify this imbalance by actively seeking out and acquiring art by women. Artists such as Magdalena Abakanowicz, Judy Chicago, and Ana Mendieta have become integral parts of the center’s collection, showcasing the diversity and talent of female artists.
Strick’s focus on artists of color
In addition to his efforts to diversify the collection with work by female artists, Jeremy Strick also prioritized acquiring art by artists of color. By showcasing the work of artists such as Xxavier Edward Carter and Simone Leigh, Strick aimed to increase representation and highlight the contributions of artists from diverse backgrounds. Through these acquisitions, the center has become a platform for underrepresented voices and perspectives in the art world.
Strick’s support of L.G.B.T.Q. creators
Another important aspect of Jeremy Strick’s efforts to diversify the collection is his support of L.G.B.T.Q. creators. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity and representation, Strick actively sought out and acquired art by L.G.B.T.Q. artists such as Catalina Ouyang and James Magee. By showcasing the work of these artists, the Nasher Sculpture Center has become a safe and inclusive space for L.G.B.T.Q. voices and experiences.
Transformation of the Nasher Sculpture Center
Strick’s role in making the center a destination
Under Jeremy Strick’s leadership, the Nasher Sculpture Center has transformed into a global destination for art enthusiasts and scholars alike. Through ambitious exhibitions, programming, and acquisitions, Strick elevated the center’s standing in the art world, drawing visitors from near and far. By showcasing innovative and thought-provoking artwork, Strick has solidified the center’s reputation as a leading institution for contemporary sculpture.
Balancing local and global perspectives in exhibitions and programs
While elevating the Nasher Sculpture Center’s global standing, Jeremy Strick also ensured that the center remained rooted in the local community. Strick sought to strike a balance between showcasing internationally renowned artists and supporting local talent from Dallas and the wider North Texas region. This approach allowed the center to maintain a strong connection to its community while still engaging with broader global trends and perspectives in contemporary sculpture.
Strick’s support for the Dallas and North Texas communities
In addition to his efforts to strike a balance between local and global perspectives, Jeremy Strick has been a champion for the Dallas and North Texas communities. During the pandemic, the Nasher Sculpture Center’s Nasher Public program provided support to North Texas artists by exhibiting their work in the center’s glass-enclosed vestibule. This initiative not only provided a platform for local artists to showcase their work but also brought art to the public during a challenging time.
Notable Exhibitions and Programs
Highlighting ‘Groundswell: Women of Land Art’ exhibition
One of the Nasher Sculpture Center’s most significant exhibitions under Jeremy Strick’s leadership was “Groundswell: Women of Land Art.” This exhibition sought to update the land-art canon by featuring the work of female artists. The exhibition, praised by critics as a fresh and fascinating exploration of the genre, provided a platform for women artists to showcase their contributions to the field. By highlighting their work, Strick aimed to challenge traditional narratives and open up new possibilities for the future of land art.
The impact of the Nasher Public program during the pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nasher Sculpture Center’s Nasher Public program played a crucial role in supporting artists and bringing art to the public. The program exhibited the work of 11 local artists in the center’s glass-enclosed vestibule, providing a safe and accessible space for visitors to engage with art. This initiative not only supported local artists during a challenging time but also demonstrated the center’s commitment to fostering community engagement and access to art.
Nasher Xchange: Celebrating the center’s 10th anniversary
In celebration of the Nasher Sculpture Center’s 10th anniversary, Jeremy Strick curated the exhibition Nasher Xchange. This exhibition commissioned 10 contemporary artists to create site-specific art installations in public spaces throughout Dallas. By bringing art outside the walls of the center and into the city, Strick aimed to make art more accessible and engage with a wider audience. Nasher Xchange was a monumental project that showcased the transformative power of art in public spaces.
Search for Strick’s Successor
David Haemisegger leading the search for Strick’s replacement
Following Jeremy Strick’s retirement announcement, David Haemisegger, the chair of the Nasher Sculpture Center’s board of trustees, will lead an international search for Strick’s successor. Haemisegger’s leadership and expertise will ensure that the search process is thorough and comprehensive, with the goal of finding a director who can continue building on the success of Jeremy Strick’s tenure.
The qualities and qualifications desired in the new director
The search for Jeremy Strick’s successor will prioritize individuals who possess the qualities and qualifications necessary to lead the Nasher Sculpture Center into the future. The new director should have a deep understanding of contemporary sculpture and the art world, as well as a strong commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Additionally, the ideal candidate should have a track record of curatorial excellence, innovative programming, and community engagement.
The future direction of the Nasher Sculpture Center
While the specific future direction of the Nasher Sculpture Center will be determined by the upcoming director, it is clear that the institution will continue to prioritize diversity, inclusivity, and community engagement. The next director will have the opportunity to build upon the foundation laid by Jeremy Strick and further establish the center’s reputation as a global destination for contemporary sculpture. With a new leader at the helm, the Nasher Sculpture Center is poised for continued growth and success.
Conclusion and Impact
Reflecting on Jeremy Strick’s legacy
As Jeremy Strick prepares to retire, it is important to reflect on his lasting legacy at the Nasher Sculpture Center. His 15-year tenure has been marked by numerous accomplishments, from establishing the Nasher Prize for Sculpture to diversifying the center’s collection and transforming it into a global destination. Strick’s dedication to promoting underrepresented voices in the art world has had a profound impact on the institution and the larger art community.
Speculating on the future of the Nasher Sculpture Center
With Jeremy Strick’s retirement on the horizon, there is much speculation about the future of the Nasher Sculpture Center. The upcoming director will have the opportunity to leave their own mark on the institution and shape its future direction. As the center continues to engage with local and global audiences, it is likely that it will remain a leader in contemporary sculpture and continue to push boundaries in the art world.
Impact of Strick’s retirement on the art world
Jeremy Strick’s retirement from the Nasher Sculpture Center will undoubtedly leave a void in the art world. His visionary leadership and commitment to diversity and inclusivity have challenged traditional narratives and paved the way for a more equitable art community. The impact of his retirement will be felt not only at the Nasher Sculpture Center but also in the larger art world, as his influence has extended far beyond the walls of the institution.
