A Letter from Dr. Halona Norton-Westbrook

It is an honor to introduce myself as the new Director of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. I officially began in this role on July 1, and I’m deeply grateful for the warm welcome I’ve received from the Museum’s extraordinary team and so many members of the community. 

In the world of art museums, the Modern stands in a class of its own. An impressive host of core attributes contributes to the Modern’s singularity: a stellar and focused permanent collection devoted to the art of our time, an authentic and thoughtful commitment to community learning and engagement, and a history of ambitious vision and aspiration that has taken the institution from strength to strength. To put it simply, the opportunity to lead this incredible art museum into the future is the honor and responsibility of a lifetime, and one that I am delighted to fully embrace.

Art allows us to celebrate the beauty that surrounds us, make sense of the world, and foster empathy, connection, and community. It is my calling and my life’s work to share the transformative power of art with others, and I am looking forward to doing so in Fort Worth's welcoming and dynamic community. 

As we look to the Modern’s next chapter, we have an incredible opportunity to build upon the Museum’s foundation of excellence while expanding opportunities for connection and engagement. My goal is to deepen the Museum’s relationship with our community and to broaden our reach by welcoming new audiences and perspectives that will strengthen and sustain the Modern for years to come.

Thank you for your role in supporting this remarkable institution. I look forward to meeting many of you in the months ahead and to building a bright future for the Modern together.

Warmly,

Halona Norton-Westbrook, Ph.D.