NEW YORK, NY.- Sir John Soanes Museum Foundation, the New York-based foundation that supports Sir John Soanes Museum in London, announced that Michael Diaz-Griffith has been selected as the Foundations new Executive Director. Previously, Diaz-Griffith was Associate Executive Director of The Winter Show (formerly the Winter Antiques Show) and a consultant for arts and non-profit organizations. In February, he was named to House Beautifuls list of 2020 Visionaries for his advocacy of historic art, material culture and preservation.
Diaz Griffith is a member of the Society of Architectural Historians, the Decorative Arts Trust, and the Royal Oak Foundation, and he sits on the Steering Committee of the Winter Show. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from College of the Atlantic and a Master of Arts degree from Kings College London.
In his role at the Soane Foundation, Diaz-Griffith will work closely with the Trustees to grow the Foundations fundraising capacities and its regional reach, promoting on a national stage the Foundations mission to create a lively educational forum in the fields of art, architecture, and design inspired by the inquisitive and independent spirit of British architect Sir John Soane (1753-1837), founder of the eponymous museum.
The Board of Directors is delighted to announce this appointment, said Paul Whalen, Chairman of the Board of Directors. Michael is an innovative and energetic leader whose knowledge of and passion for art and architecture is extensive. We have great confidence that he will develop a strong collaboration with our supporters in New York, as well as with the leaders and staff of the Museum in London.
Bruce Boucher, Deborah Loeb Brice Director of Sir John Soanes Museum, said, The Museum greatly looks forward to working with Michael, and we are confident that under his leadership, the Foundation will continue its strong efforts to support the Museum. Inspired by Soane, the events held by the Foundation have long been attracting those who have an interest in the fields of art, architecture and design. In these unprecedented times, with the Museum physically closed and with events postponed, we hope our supporters around the world will enjoy engaging with the Museums collection and exhibition online and through our digital channels.