The Board of Trustees of the Speed Art Museum announced today that Ghislain d’Humières has been appointed as the new Director of the Museum. D’Humières, who is currently serving as the Director of the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art at the University of Oklahoma, succeeds Charles Venable, who served as Director from 2007 to 2012. D’Humières will assume his role at the Speed on September 3, 2013.

During his six-year tenure at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, d’Humières has doubled attendance, led a successful $15 million capital campaign and spearheaded the development and management of the Museum’s new 20,000 square-foot Stuart wing, which doubled the Museum’s exhibition space. D’Humières also created a privately funded program to implement new educational and outreach initiatives which included underprivileged visitors. He supervised more than 40 exhibitions and oversaw the production of numerous exhibition catalogs and museum publications while also expanding the Museum’s educational programs and collaborations with other museums, communities and national and international organizations.

“Ghislain has a proven track record of success as a director, curator and fundraiser at leading museums across the country,” said Allan Latts, Chair of the Speed Art Museum’s Board of Trustees. “His essential role in the opening and logistical organization of the $320 million, 290,000 square foot de Young project at the Fine Art Museum of San Francisco, was one of many contributing factors leading to the search committee’s decision to hire Ghislain. He also initiated innovative partnerships with the University of Oklahoma and its stakeholders that broadened the Museum’s reach throughout the community, which speaks to his understanding of the collective impact these relationships play in the overall development of a community.”

“I am honored and thrilled to have been selected as the incoming Director of the Speed Art Museum,” d’Humières said. “With its outstanding collection spanning more than 6,000 years of history, and a new multi-phase master plan now underway, the Speed is establishing itself as a major player in the national and international art world, and is charting the course for museums for the future. I look forward to working with the Board of Trustees, the staff, the people of Louisville and the state of Kentucky to continue the Speed’s role as a leader in the museum field.”

Todd Lowe, Chair of the Speed’s search committee, said, “Ghislain is a seasoned museum executive who was a natural choice to lead the Speed into its exciting next phase. He brings experience as an international leader and scholar with a vision for the future role that the Speed will play in our community. We are thrilled to welcome Ghislain to Louisville and look forward to the Museum’s continued growth under his leadership.”

Ghislain’s 11 years of for-profit and private sector work at Sotheby’s and Christie’s have instilled a strong approach to business management and fiscal responsibility. Additionally, his expertise in 18th and 19th century decorative European arts, as well as his international connections, especially in Europe, South America and Asia, will serve as an asset to the Speed as staff begins to plan future exhibitions and new acquisitions. During his tenure at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, d’Humières also expanded his experience in Western and Native American art and emphasized the importance of contemporary art and new media.

A compassionate leader, d’Humières spent a year as a volunteer for the Association Casa Alianza helping homeless children in Guatemala, performing educational, research and fundraising activities, prior to his work at the Fine Art Museum in San Francisco. Upon his return, he created a foundation to continue supporting Guatemalan children.

A native of France, d’Humières holds a DEA in History and License of Art History from the University of Paris I Pantheon Sorbonne, and a Master of History from the University of Paris X Nanterre. D’Humières speaks fluent French, English and Spanish.


About the Speed Art Museum
The Speed Art Museum is Kentucky’s largest art museum with a collection that spans 6,000 years of human creativity. An independent museum located on the campus of the University of Louisville, the Speed continues to play an important role in outreach initiatives, workshops, tours and art-related school programs. The Museum is situated at a crossroads between the city and the University of Louisville, adjacent to the busiest pedestrian thoroughfare on the University’s campus. The Speed is currently closed and undergoing a multi-phase expansion and renovation that includes a new North and South Building, 150 seat theater, Art Park and a public Piazza. To view a virtual tour or for more information visit www.speedmuseum.org.

The Museum is currently closed for the renovation and expansion through 2015. “Local Speed” – the Museum’s temporary home - was established recently in downtown Louisville’s trendy Nulu district at 822 East Market Street. The Nulu space has 6,000 sq. ft. of special exhibit and programming areas as well as administrative offices for museum staff.
For more information on upcoming programs and events, visit www.speedmuseum.org, friend us on FaceBook or follow us on Twitter: @speedartmuseum.