The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth in Texas has announced Halona Norton-Westbrook as its next director, beginning July 1. She succeeds Marla Price, who decided to retire after more than 30 years in the role. Norton-Westbrook has been the director and CEO of the Honolulu Museum of Art in Hawaii since 2020.
During her tenure, she doubled attendance back to pre-pandemic levels, secured the museum’s reaccreditation with the American Alliance of Museums, developed a strategic plan, and acquired several multimillion-dollar gifts toward its endowment. “The Modern is a museum of extraordinary ambition and impact, and I am honored to lead it into the future,” Norton-Westbrook said in a statement. “Museums have the power to foster joy, reflection, and meaningful conversations.
I look forward to working alongside the museum’s talented team and dedicated community to expand its reach, deepen its engagement, and continue its tradition of presenting art of the highest quality.”
Prior to joining the Honolulu Museum, Norton-Westbrook served as director of curatorial affairs at the Toledo Museum of Art in Ohio for six years. There, she focused on growing the museum’s collection, adding significant pieces by artists like Alice Neel, David Hockney, Nam June Paik, Jules Olitski, Wendy Red Star, and Titus Kaphar.
New director for Modern Art Museum
Rafael G. Garza, board president of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, said, “Halona Norton-Westbrook brings an extraordinary combination of vision, leadership, and a deep commitment to art. Her impactful track record of strategic thinking, community engagement, and curatorial excellence makes her the ideal dynamic leader to guide the Modern into its next chapter.”
Norton-Westbrook’s appointment comes as the Modern is under intense scrutiny for child pornography allegations involving several decades-old images by Virginia-born photographer Sally Mann.
The images were featured as part of the “Diaries of Home” exhibition, which closed Feb. 2. Police say no charges have been filed.
Norton-Westbrook was selected after the Modern’s board of trustees launched an international search for Price’s successor. The University of Manchester doctorate graduate brings years of museum leadership experience and a proven track record of transformation to Fort Worth. Norton-Westbrook’s tenure will officially begin July 1, as the museum prepares to welcome new exhibitions.