Tacoma Art Museum chooses Midwest museum head as its newest executive director

A North Dakota art museum head will soon be the newest executive director of the Tacoma Art Museum, its board announced last week after a months-long nationwide search.

Andrew Maus begins his role at TAM on June 6. He comes from the Plains Art Museum in Fargo, North Dakota where he served as director and CEO. Before that, he headed the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona, Minnesota.

While at the Fargo museum, Maus, 43, encouraged artists from diverse backgrounds, facilitated public art projects, doubled the museum’s endowment and secured funding for a major renovation, according to a TAM announcement.

“Tacoma invests in itself, and to play a role in the cultural life of the city is a dream come true,” Maus said in the announcement. “Art museums’ role of activating community life is often underdeveloped. While TAM is already a shining star, I see its brightest days ahead.”

Maus co-created the Plains Art Museum’s facility master plan with Olson Kundig Architects — the same firm that designed TAM’s two add-on wings, the Haub Family Galleries and Benaroya Wing. Maus helped secure $3 million for two gallery expansions and an LED lighting conversion at the Fargo museum.

Maus said his primary values include accessibility, equity and diversity, regional art and engagement.

“Tacoma Art Museum is an amazing organization, and I couldn’t be more excited to join the team and to learn from the TAM community of supporters to help advance it,” he said.

Maus, who would be TAM’s eighth executive director in its 88-year history, arrives as its staff is trying to unionize and its curatorial staff has diminished to one. He succeeds David Setford who left in September.

TAM Workers United’s organizing committee told The News Tribune Monday that it’s, “ ...hopeful for Andy Maus’ arrival and call on him to lead the Board in recognizing the union so we can partner for a successful future where workers have the respect, resources, and protections to help TAM thrive.”

In its mid-2020 annual report, the Fargo museum reported a fiscal year income of $2.2 million from support and revenue with assets of $6.9 million. In the same period, TAM had an income of $4.5 million with assets of $61 million.

Jeff Williams, TAM’s board president, said Maus stood out for his ability to grow the Fargo museum through innovative programming and educational outreach.

“Andy is a fantastic match for TAM and the community we serve,” Williams said.

Maus earned a master’s degree in public administration and nonprofit management from Minnesota State University Moorhead following a bachelor’s degree in studio art.