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