The Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania (ICA Philadelphia) announced today the appointment of Johanna Burton as its Daniel W. Dietrich, II Director.
A widely recognized voice in contemporary art and cultural education with over 15 years of leadership experience as a museum director, administrator, and curator, Burton currently serves as Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles. She previously was the Director of the Wexner Center for the Arts at Ohio State University and has held leadership roles at New Museum in New York, the Center for Curatorial Studies at Bard College, and the Whitney Museum. She will begin at ICA on November 1, 2025, working alongside ICA’s Board of Advisors and senior leadership team.
“Johanna Burton is among the most prominent and insightful leaders in contemporary art,” said the University of Pennsylvania Provost John L. Jackson, Jr. “She has wide-ranging experience working with artists across media, mentoring curators, collaborating with students and faculty, and energetically drawing new audiences to art institutions on both coasts. We are very gratified to bring her to Penn at a time when the arts are more vital than ever, as articulated in our strategic framework, In Principle and Practice, and under the leadership of Tim Rommen, our new Vice Provost for the Arts. I am grateful to him and to the consultative committee of faculty and arts leaders who helped us arrive at this exciting moment for the arts at Penn.”
“Johanna brings a rare and powerful blend of curatorial vision, scholarly depth, and institutional vision. Her commitment to both artists and public engagement resonates powerfully with the ICA’s mission,” said Mark W. Strong, Chair of ICA Philadelphia’s Board. “We’re excited for this new partnership as we chart the next chapter of the ICA’s groundbreaking and pioneering history.”
Main Image: Portrait by Erin Leland