Derrick Cartwright - Gerrit Greve

Derrick R. Cartwright: The Maruja Baldwin Director: San Diego Museum of Art

Since 2004, Derrick R. Cartwright has been the Executive Director of the San Diego Museum of Art. During this time, SDMA has produced almost fifty temporary exhibitions, more than a dozen scholarly publications, and hundreds of public programs. More than 1 million visitors have taken advantage of the oldest, largest, most visited art museum in the region during his tenure at SDMA. Born in San Francisco, Cartwright received his undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley, his masters degree from UCLA, and his doctorate from the University of Michigan, all in the History of Art. In 1998, he served as the first full-time director of the Musée d'Art Américain Giverny in France. He has published extensively on American art, photography, public art, and the history of Franco American cultural exchange. Cartwright lives with his wife, Lauren, an attorney, and 3 children, Sarah, Julia, and Graham, in La Jolla. His museum practice is characterized by collaboration, mentoring young professionals, hiring the best in the field and team leadership.

Question #1 What is your highlight Visual art experience from the last year?

#1 "Seeing Chris Burden's 'What My Dad Gave Me' at Rockefeller Center, New York with my son, Graham, in June."

Question #2 What is your vision of the future of the Visual arts for San Diego?

#2 "This community will benefit most from intense collaboration between institutions here in San Diego, and by creating new connections between museums here and the international art community beyond. San Diego is a wonderful destination for cultural work whether sited in public spaces or its museums."