Halona Norton-Westbrook Takes the Helm at Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
Halona Norton-Westbrook has been appointed as the new director of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth in Texas, commencing her role on July 1. Stepping into the shoes of Marla Price, who had held the position for over three decades, Norton-Westbrook is entrusted with spearheading the museum into the future following Price’s impactful tenure, marked by a notable expansion and increased acclaim on both national and global scales.
In a statement expressing her excitement about the new appointment, Norton-Westbrook acknowledged the museum’s profound ambition and influence, stating, “The Modern is a museum of extraordinary ambition and impact, and I am honored to lead it into the future.” She emphasized the power of museums in fostering joy, reflection, and meaningful conversations, expressing her eagerness to collaborate with the museum’s dedicated team and community to broaden its horizons, enhance engagement, and uphold its tradition of showcasing top-tier art.
Norton-Westbrook’s Impressive Journey
Prior to assuming her role at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Norton-Westbrook held the position of director and CEO at the Honolulu Museum of Art in Hawaii, a role she undertook in 2020. During her tenure at the Honolulu Museum, she successfully doubled the museum’s attendance to pre-pandemic levels, obtained reaccreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, formulated a strategic plan, and secured substantial financial contributions towards its endowment. Notably, she played a pivotal role in acquiring a collection of 55 works on paper by 26 African American artists, a significant addition to the museum’s holdings.
Before her time in Hawaii, Norton-Westbrook served as the director of curatorial affairs at the Toledo Museum of Art in Ohio. Her six-year stint at the TMA, where she initially began as an Andrew W. Mellon Leadership Fellow, was marked by a focus on expanding the museum’s collection. She oversaw the addition of works by renowned artists such as Alice Neel, David Hockney, Nam June Paik, and more, alongside pieces from the Souls Grown Deep Foundation. Norton-Westbrook coauthored a book in 2018 that delved into the Toledo Museum of Art’s collection, showcasing the institution’s rich artistic heritage.
Praise for Norton-Westbrook’s Appointment
Rafael G. Garza, the board president of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, lauded Norton-Westbrook’s appointment, highlighting her exceptional vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the arts. He emphasized her track record of strategic planning, community involvement, and curatorial excellence as key factors that make her the ideal candidate to lead the Modern into its next phase. Garza expressed confidence in Norton-Westbrook’s ability to build upon the museum’s legacy within the Fort Worth community, positioning it as a vibrant cultural hub of global significance.
As Halona Norton-Westbrook embarks on her new role as the director of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, her wealth of experience, innovative approach, and dedication to artistic excellence are poised to shape the museum’s future trajectory, ushering in a new chapter of creativity, engagement, and cultural enrichment.
