New Mexico Museum of Art welcomes new Curator of Contemporary Art

September 13th, 2023

Santa Fe, NM- After an extensive nationwide search, New Mexico Museum of Art (NMMOA) is thrilled to announce Alexandra Terry as the new Curator of Contemporary Art.  

“We’re excited to name Alexandra Terry as our next Curator of Contemporary Art," said Dr. Mark White, Executive Director. “Her credentials as a scholar of contemporary art make her an ideal complement to our strong curatorial team, especially as we prepare to open the New Mexico Museum of Art Vladem Contemporary.” 

Terry earned a Master of Fine Arts in Curating from Goldsmiths in London and a Bachelor of Arts in Photography from University of Colorado Boulder. She recently served as the Chief Curator of the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara, where she was responsible for establishing a robust program for contemporary art, by curating exhibitions, initiating public arts projects, and cultivating relationships with donors and stakeholders.  

“I am thrilled to be joining the New Mexico Museum of Art at this pivotal moment of its expansion and look forward to contributing to its legacy,” said Alexandra Terry. “In working closely with the institution, I aim to build a dynamic contemporary program addressing crucial conversations happening in the present day, placing artists and the community together in meaningful dialogue.” 

Prior to her tenure in Santa Barbara, she spent seven years in London curating contemporary art for the MOP Foundation, (a Nonprofit Iranian Arts Organization), as well as working with P.A.S.T Project (a contemporary art archives project) and serving as the curator of Grandt (a contemporary artists collective). The MOP Foundation offered Terry critical experience with the international contemporary art community as well as a concern for the local, a balance valued equally at the New Mexico Museum of Art.  

“Terry has demonstrated a remarkable track record during her almost fourteen years in the contemporary art world that has provided her experience and education making her an ideal fit for the position of Curator of Contemporary Art at the New Mexico Museum of Art Vladem Contemporary,” said Head of Curatorial Affairs, Christian Waguespack. “Her passion and expertise will be an asset to our curatorial team, and we are all looking forward the exciting directions Terry will guide the contemporary programing for the Museum at this historic moment for the institution.” 

About The New Mexico Museum of Art     

The New Mexico Museum of Art is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs. Programs and exhibits are supported by the Museum of New Mexico Foundation and its donors. The mission of the Museum of Art is to create authentic experiences that foster a deeper understanding and enjoyment of art throughout our state. With a collection of more than 20,000 pieces of work, the museum brings the art of the world to New Mexico and the art of New Mexico to the world.