Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Artist John Baldessari Quits MOCA Board In Protest
Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com
Artist John Baldessari announced that he was resigning from the board of MOCA in protest of recent changes at the (up-until-recently) world-class museum.Like many others, Baldessari hasn't been happy with the museum's decision to fire its well-respected chief curator Paul Schimmel without bringing anyone on board to fill the spot. He told the Los Angeles Times in an interview that "to live with my conscience I just had to do it." Baldessari has been on MOCA's board since 2000, and he is the fifth trustee to leave since February, according to the Times.
It appears that the world-class museum is in serious financial trouble. Some have criticized the museum for its new pop-culture slant ever since it brought on Jeffrey Deitch as director. But art world experts on "Which Way, L.A.?" said one of the biggest problem with bringing Deitch on is that he didn't have a background managing the finances of a major arts institution—something MOCA sorely needs.
Related:
MOCA 'Amicably' Fires Chief Curator Paul Schimmel, Art Community Rages
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
