We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Nicholas R. Bell as Glenbow’s new President & CEO.
Originally from Vancouver, Mr. Bell joins Glenbow from his position as Senior Vice President for Curatorial Affairs at Mystic Seaport Museum, the preeminent American maritime museum, where he launched a formidable exhibitions program. He previously also served as The Fleur and Charles Bresler Curator-in-Charge of the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery, in Washington DC, where he led the Renwick’s relaunch, increasing attendance from 150,000 annually to one million. Mr. Bell is the author and editor of ten books on art, museums, and contemporary culture and offers a proven background in spearheading change and successfully implementing strategic initiatives.
“Nicholas will lead Glenbow into a new era,” says Irfhan Rawji, Chair
of Glenbow’s Board of Governors. “Over
the past several years we have focused on comprehensive institutional change,
and Nicholas will continue to guide us on that journey.”
Mr. Bell arrives to lead a revitalized Glenbow that now offers a
reconstituted Board, deeply committed staff, invigorated donors, a positive
income statement and significantly strengthened balance sheet, compelling new
exhibitions and substantially increased visitation. In 2018 Glenbow
successfully transferred its Library and Archives to the University of Calgary
under a lease agreement that will allow for greater growth of, and access to, its
collection. Today Glenbow is focused on a full transformation of its building
and exhibit spaces.
“When I looked to the proud history of Glenbow and understood what is
being done to continue and evolve that legacy, I was immediately captivated,”
says Bell. “Our focus will be to share stories and collections in ways that
provide inspiration to Calgarians and visitors from around the world. We are also committed to reintroducing Glenbow
to Canada, with the caliber of building worthy of this city’s potential on the
national arts and culture scene.”
Glenbow is dedicated to serving the needs and the interests of the community while contributing to the
national cultural conversation. The full-scale renovation of Glenbow
inside and out will help propel the establishment of Calgary as an
internationally recognized downtown cultural district.
Bell will begin with Glenbow on November 1, 2019. “Our family couldn’t be more honored to join
this community,” he says.
