Dia Art Foundation announced that Philippe Vergne will step down as director. As director since mid-2008, Vergne has worked to advance Dia’s mission of supporting and preserving the vision of artists, overseeing Dia’s programs and operations at Dia:Beacon and at the long-term sites in Manhattan, Long Island, and the American West. He also spearheaded Dia’s plan to expand its presence on West 22nd Street in New York City. He will become director of The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles.
“It is hard to leave Dia, especially at this exciting moment when all of the building blocks have been put in place by the Board for Dia to return to New York City. I look forward to Dia’s great success as it is on the cusp of an exhilarating new era,” Vergne said. “I am honored to be joining the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles. I have admired its collection and programs throughout my career and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead MOCA into its next phase. Also, Los Angeles is my wife’s native city and we are both excited to be moving closer to family.”
Longtime board member and former Dia director Charles Wright will serve as interim director. The Board of Trustees has begun to develop a search committee to identify a successor.
