Public-private partnerships can offer significant benefits for cultural centers, according to Michael Govan, CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). Govan's perspective comes from years of experience leading LACMA and overseeing its ambitious expansion and upgrades.
Govan has been CEO and Director of LACMA since 2006. During his tenure, LACMA's annual attendance has grown significantly, and its gallery space and programs have almost doubled. A key project under his leadership is the replacement of four of the museum's buildings with a new, state-of-the-art gallery building designed by architect Peter Zumthor. This project underscores Govan's vision of integrating contemporary artists and architects with the museum's historical collections.
Govan's advocacy for public-private partnerships stems from their potential to enhance cultural institutions. Recently, Govan and LACMA trustees visited Mumbai for a cultural exchange with the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC). This visit followed Isha Ambani's appointment to LACMA's board. Discussions between LACMA and NMACC are progressing toward concrete collaborations, including a Bharti Kher exhibition, artist residencies, and craft collaborations. Such initiatives aim to strengthen the relationship between the two institutions and promote cultural exchange.
Prior to his role at LACMA, Govan was the president and director of the Dia Art Foundation in New York from 1994 to 2006, where he spearheaded the creation of Dia:Beacon. He also served as deputy director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. His experience includes working with Guggenheim branches in New York, Venice, and Bilbao.
Under Govan’s leadership, LACMA has acquired nearly 35,000 works, expanding its collection of art from Latin America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Pacific. The museum has also commissioned and installed large-scale public artworks. These include Chris Burden's Urban Light, Barbara Kruger's Untitled (Shafted), Robert Irwin's Primal Palm Garden, and Michael Heizer's Levitated Mass.
Govan has also focused on diversifying LACMA's programs, audience, management, and curatorial teams. LACMA operates an in-school art education program in the United States. Govan has co-curated exhibitions such as Picasso and Rivera: Conversations Across Time and James Turrell: A Retrospective.
Govan's leadership at LACMA has involved significant fundraising efforts. In 2015, he launched a successful art gift campaign for LACMA's 50th anniversary. By August 2023, LACMA had surpassed its $750 million capital campaign goal for the new building. Govan has also expanded the museum board, bringing in substantial contributions.
