MADISON, WISC.- The Chazen Museum of Art has named Berit Ness as the institution’s inaugural chief engagement officer. In the new role, Ness leads the Chazen’s visitor-focused and inclusive outreach efforts that align with the Museum’s mission as a teaching and learning institution. She oversees public programs and education, marketing and communications, campus and community outreach and the visitor services program. Her appointment began Sept. 9.

Ness comes to the Chazen from the Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago, where she focused on interweaving the Smart Museum’s collections, exhibitions and broader resources into teaching, learning, research and co-curricular life on campus. She held successive roles at the Smart Museum since 2015, most recently serving as the associate director and curator of academic engagement within the Smart’s Feitler Center for Academic Inquiry.

As the Chazen’s first chief engagement officer, Ness will advance the Museum’s ongoing commitment to increasing accessibility and engaging with audiences in new and innovative ways. Amy Gilman, the Chazen’s director, says university museums are uniquely positioned to serve both students and the general public, building relationships and fostering dialogue across the populations. As current events and new trends emerge, university art museums can adapt to serve their communities, collaborating with university faculty and staff to present new research through exhibitions and educational programs. Ness’ role will place greater emphasis on expanding access points and modes of engagement to tailor the Museum experience for various audiences.

“University museums serve as vital hubs for experimentation, intellectual inquiry and cultural exchange. As the Chazen Museum of Art continues to embark on innovative installations, exhibitions and programs that connect with University of Wisconsin–Madison students and visitors from the surrounding community, Berit Ness will be instrumental in helping the Museum stay abreast of our visitors’ evolving needs. Her impactful work will result in programs that inspire audiences and deepen connections between art and people,” said Amy Gilman, the Chazen Museum of Art’s director.

Ness’ appointment as chief engagement officer marks her return to the Chazen Museum of Art, where she worked as a research assistant while completing graduate studies in art history at UW–Madison. She also served as an undergraduate symposium coordinator for the University’s Office of the Provost for Teaching and Learning and worked as the director’s assistant for UW–Madison’s Tandem Press, a publisher of fine art prints.

“As a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, I felt a sense of community and belonging at the Chazen Museum of Art and found inspiration in its collection. This role allows me to return to a campus that I love in a city that excites me and to build opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, curiosity and exploration. I look forward to expanding the Chazen’s impact and strengthening ties between the Museum, University faculty and students and Madison’s communities,” said Ness.

In addition to a master’s degree in art history from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Ness studied at University College London and holds a bachelor’s degree in art history from Western Washington University. She also completed the 2023 Executive Program for Emerging Leaders at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business and Smith College’s 2008 Summer Institute in Art Museum Studies program.