ASU-LACMA Navigating change in museums lecture series | Anthony Kiendl | The Museum in Motion: Leadership and Institutional Change

April 23 | 1 to 2 p.m. | Zoom

In this guest lecture, Anthony Kiendl reflects on more than three decades of leadership across contemporary art institutions in North America and internationally, tracing how museums have shifted from sites of display to active civic and cultural agents. Drawing on his current role as Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Denver, as well as his previous leadership of the Vancouver Art Gallery, the MacKenzie Art Gallery, Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art and the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Kiendl examines how institutional vision is shaped through governance, curatorial practice, community engagement and public accountability.

Anthony Kiendl is an internationally respected museum and arts leader, curator, writer and educator, known for his transformative leadership at major visual arts institutions across North America and globally. As of late 2025, he was appointed Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Denver. In this role, Kiendl leads the museum’s vision and strategy, emphasizing community engagement, innovative programming and institutional growth. Born on Long Island, New York, and raised in Winnipeg, Canada, Kiendl has devoted over three decades to shaping museum practice and cultural discourse. Prior to his appointment in Denver, he served as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Vancouver Art Gallery, where he oversaw significant growth in audience engagement, expanded the museum’s collection and guided key institutional initiatives. He has also curated international exhibitions, including the “Contour: Biennale of the Moving Image” in Belgium, and held fellowships and visiting positions in the UK. He has taught, lectured internationally and received prestigious awards for curatorial excellence while contributing widely to discussions on contemporary art practice.