(Thousand Oaks, Calif.) – The California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks (CMATO) today announced the appointment of Roya Alt as Executive Director.  Alt has served as the Museum’s director since March of 2020.

Under Alt’s leadership, the Museum has significantly expanded its arts education programming and increased membership by 15%.

“Roya is an accomplished leader whose experience, management skills and passion for the arts have prepared her for this important new role,” said Nancy Chappell, Board chair, CMATO. “It’s clear from her accomplishments as a nonprofit executive that Roya is uniquely equipped with the experience, skills and vision to lead CMATO into the future, ensuring the Museum delivers on our mission to enrich our community through engaging arts and educational experiences.”

Alt has over 20 years of experience working in external relations, marketing and project management for the nonprofit, entertainment, and tech industries. She is the former Senior Director of Public Relations for City of Hope Cancer Center and was previously Account Group Director at Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, overseeing communications strategy, client relations and business expansion. She began her career as an Account Executive with the Los Angeles-based entertainment publicity firm, Bender/Helper, Inc.

Alt holds a B.A. in Latin American history from the University of California at Los Angeles.

“I am delighted to lead the CMATO team, working alongside our dedicated staff and Board to build on the excellent work they have been doing, and to ensure the Museum remains a welcoming and inclusive space where art, creativity, inspiration and reflection are the centerpiece,” Alt said.

Since reopening after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 global health pandemic, CMATO has presented four exhibitions and provided free arts education programs to more than 1,250 children and families throughout the Conejo Valley and Southern California. As part of its mission to connect the community to the experience and beauty of the visual arts, CMATO offers free curator-led tours for regional retirement and assisted living facilities, providing opportunities for this often-overlooked population to engage with art and reduce social isolation. The Museum has welcomed more than 500 seniors in 2021 alone.

CMATO’s current exhibition, GIFTED: Collecting the Art of California at Gardena High School is on view through January 9, 2022. Exhibition-related programming can be found at www.cmato.org.

ABOUT

The California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks (CMATO) is a cultural institution dedicated to engaging, educating and engaging our community and our visitors through the visual arts.

Established in 2008, the museum showcases established and emerging contemporary artists, with a unique focus on participatory art. As part of its mission to connect people to creativity, ideas and to each other, CMATO features rotating temporary exhibitions, artist lectures and educational programs that foster discussion, participation and an appreciation for the visual arts. To learn more or to become a museum member, visit www.cmato.org

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