Jeremy Strict letter
Jeremy Strick, director of L.A.'s Museum of Contemporary Art, sent the following
e-letter to museum supporters in the wake of my colleague Mike Boehm's
front-page story today on MOCA's fiscal crisis:
November 19,
2008
Dear Friends:
In view of the article about MOCA published
today in the Los Angeles Times, I want to take this opportunity to reiterate the
singular commitment of The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA), to
serve the Southern California community and maintain its preeminent position as
the foremost contemporary art museum in the nation.
MOCA has achieved
unparalleled success since its inspired founding in 1979, and the museum
continues to fulfill its mission „to be the defining museum of contemporary
art.‰ For three decades, loyal and dedicated donors like you have made it
possible for MOCA to realize an acclaimed program of ambitious exhibitions, and
our renowned permanent collection of nearly 6,000 works is among the finest in
the country. Today, the museum is proud to present Louise Bourgeois, Martin
Kippenberger: The Problem Perspective and Index: Conceptualism in California
from the Permanent Collection, and MOCA continues to tour our groundbreaking
monographic and thematic exhibitions, WACK! Art and the Feminist Revolution and
© MURAKAMI, to prestigious institutions worldwide.
All of us at MOCA
recognize the substantial influence you have had at the museum. In this season
of economic uncertainty, MOCA acknowledges the considerable challenges that have
faced the non-profit sector in recent years, remembering that the wonderful
generosity of our closest friends and supporters has sustained the museum during
difficult times. Cultural institutions have been affected directly by the
volatility of the current economy, and MOCA has not been immune to its impact.
While today‚s financial realities represent a great test of our longevity,
beyond this crossroads is the promise of an even greater future for
MOCA.
Your enduring support has upheld the museum‚s tradition of
excellence in tangible and meaningful ways. We invite you to deepen your
personal commitment to MOCA to ensure that this world-renowned institution will
remain the definitive leader in the field of contemporary art for generations to
come.
With my warmest regards,
Jeremy Strick