The Board of Directors at the Albright-Knox has announced its appointment of its new Director, Dr. Janne Sirén. Sirén, the current Director of the Helsinki Art Museum, Finland, was in town today for the highly anticipated announcement.
Along with the international recognition that goes hand in hand with running the Helsinki Art Museum, Sirén has been instrumental, via his position at the museum, in working with the city on visual arts policies and managing the capital's public art programs. "I am inspired by Buffalo's aspirations, and by the Albright-Knox's desire to continue to play a leading role on regional, national, and international stages," said Sirén. "The Albright-Knox's legacy of visionary collection development, its artist-centric approach and ability to institutionally reinvent itself over time, is extraordinary. It is a privilege to sustain and carry forward such a tradition in a museum that is firmly anchored to its own urban context and history. At the same time, the Albright-Knox embraces pioneering developments in the visual arts on a globally resonant level and scale. The opportunity to serve the local Buffalo community, and simultaneously the broader transnational art world, is tremendously exciting."
Sirén is no stranger to the United States. He attended College of the Holy Cross (Worcester, MA) and received his M.A., and Ph.D. in Art History, from New York University's Institute of Fine Arts. "Moving back to the United States is for me a return home, a return to my intellectual and cultural roots," said Sirén. "I very much look forward to building the future of this national treasure here in Buffalo, which strikes me as the friendliest place on the planet."
After conducting a global search for the position of director, the Board of Directors unanimously selected Sirén due to his "Impeccable credentials and outstanding scholarship". Albright-Knox Board President Leslie Zemsky stated that "We are delighted Janne will be coming here to lead the Albright-Knox, and I know he is as excited as we are. He is an impressive scholar and visionary administrator who is able to embrace and connect local, national, and global stages in a relevant and viable way. He brings extensive experience and knowledge to the Albright-Knox in all areas of programming and also a passion for the Gallery's growth and development. Janne is an extraordinary leader, and he shares our vision for the active role of the Albright-Knox in the growth and vitality of our community. He has a wealth of experience in promoting economic development and growth through cultural tourism, which is such a high priority for us here at the Gallery and in the Buffalo Niagara region."
Great - Welcome to Buffalo