Tweed Museum brings ambitious and experienced new director, Anja Chávez
Entrance to the Tweed Museum, photo courtesy of Dominic Bisogno
The Tweed Museum of Art announced on Jan. 13th, 2020 that a new name to act as director following the absence of former Tweed director Ken Bloom, who left in June.
That name is Anja Chávez, who the Tweed stated was, “[ready to] build on the museum’s traditional strengths while continuing its commitment to diversify its collection.”
Chávez brings a wide range of experience to Duluth, ranging from studies in both Germany and France to her work in museums.
Chávez has spent much of her time as a curator, including at Syracuse, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, but her most recent position prior to UMD was as a museum director for Colgate.
Dr. Anja Chávez, courtesy of the University of Minnesota Duluth
Chávez, who holds a Ph.D. in Art History, detailed her excitement for her new place of work in a press release published by the Tweed Museum.
"As the Tweed Museum of Art's new director, I am excited to bring the Tweed to a new level in its continued integral role at UMD, Duluth, and beyond,” says Chávez. “I am thrilled to join this vibrant community where, within just a few days of my arrival from New York, I already feel at home."
Amongst her many goals, Chávez prioritizes helping move the Tweed into the 21st century and feels that staying connected with the next generation is key to museums not just surviving, but thriving.
“Tweed needs to change as times change,” Chávez explained. “Museums shouldn’t rely on how things were 50 years ago. People used to debate if photography was art. Now we have all sorts of audio and visual mediums to express art in.”
The new Tweed director also looks forward to working in a public institution for the first time since coming to work in the United States, after working in a variety of public and private institutions in Europe.
While Chávez’s experiences are global, she firmly believes that each museum should be curated to its location, as the way people in Duluth take in art might not be the same as the next city, let alone the next country.
“Museums should reflect what the community around them needs,” Chávez continued. “Each place is different and I’m keen to find out more about what Duluth needs and wants.”
In addition to staying up to date, Chávez hopes that both the Tweed museum and herself are able to stay engaged with students across UMD for the benefit of both sides.
“I’ve mentored students before in addition to teaching classes, and I find those collaborations very beneficial for both sides. I encourage students with questions or interests to reach out to be in person or digitally. I want to hear every voice I can.”
The Tweed is located on 1201 Ordean Court, on the UMD campus, near Bohannon Hall. The museum is open from 9 to 8 on Mondays, 9 to 4:30 from Wednesday to Friday, and 1 to 5 on Saturday and Sunday.