Nancy Rivera Joins UMFA Staff in Key Director Role
For release March 30, 2023
Contact Emma Ryder, emma.ryder@umfa.utah.edu
The Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA) at the University of Utah is pleased to announce Nancy Rivera as the UMFA’s new director of planning and program. Nancy is a talented artist, curator and arts administrator who will lead cross-departmental work to creatively utilize the collections, exhibitions, and programs of the UMFA to engage and expand participation across new and existing audiences.
An alumna of the University of Utah (the U) earning an MFA in Art, Rivera is no stranger to the UMFA. She worked with the Museum in 2021 to curate Space Maker, a celebration of the University of Utah’s artistic community, featuring artists who served as faculty within the U’s Department of Art and Art History. Rivera has organized exhibitions for the Utah Department of Cultural and Community Engagement and is an alumna of the National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures Leadership Institute. She is one of five contributing curators for the exhibition Greater Utah opening July 2023 at the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art.
“I am honored to be joining the Utah Museum of Fine Arts as Director of Planning & Program.” Rivera said. “I am looking forward to bringing fresh perspectives and contributing to the museum’s community-centered initiatives by uplifting the rich voices of our diverse arts community.”
Before joining the staff at the UMFA Rivera served as the visual arts coordinator for the Utah Division of Arts & Museums, developing multifaceted exhibition programming and funding initiatives to support visual artists statewide. Regarding Rivera’s hire, Gretchen Dietrich, The Marcia and John Price Executive Director said, “[Nancy] is kind, thoughtful, experienced, smart and determined. She is a wonderful addition to our amazing team and a wonderful new colleague for us all.”
Many on the UMFA staff are also talented artists, a trend that Rivera’s hiring continues. Rivera’s art practice is rooted in photography and influenced by her dual cultural identity. She has exhibited nationally and has work in private and public collections. She currently has work in ELIGIBLE/ILLEGIBLE at PS122 Gallery in New York and Return at Alvin Gittins Gallery at the U.
The mission of the UMFA is to inspire critical dialogue and illuminate the role of art in our lives. Rivera will lead a significant and committed effort, guided by the UMFA’s mission, core values, and strategic goals, to shape and focus the Museum’s dynamic work through a lens of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.