Kiendl appointed CEO of MacKenzie Art Gallery

The Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art Board of Directors announces the departure of Executive | Artistic Director Anthony Kiendl. Kiendl’s last day at Plug In will be September 30, 2013. Kiendl has been appointed CEO of the MacKenzie Art Gallery in Regina, Saskatchewan, a position he will assume in May 2014.

Kiendl has been Executive and Artistic Director at Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art in Winnipeg, Manitoba for the past seven years. Kiendl oversaw and implemented a $4 million fundraising campaign for the Institute. He also led a multi-phase organizational transformation of the Institute including the construction and move to a $15 million arts and education facility in downtown Winnipeg, in partnership with the University of Winnipeg. Prior to Plug In ICA, he was Director of Visual Arts, Walter Phillips Gallery and the Banff International Curatorial Institute at the Banff Centre in Alberta from 2002 to 2006.

The MacKenzie Art Gallery is one of the country’s leading public art galleries, and this appointment recognizes Kiendl’s accomplishments at Plug In.

Plug In Board President Noam Gonick states, “It’s hard to believe it has only been seven years given the amount of activity we’ve undertaken with Kiendl at the helm. I cannot think of anyone better suited to oversee the creation of our new home and navigate the territory between our Board, staff, partners, funders and campaign cabinet in building 460 Portage Avenue. The My Winnipeg show and Close Encounters: The Next 500 Years project will go down in Plug In history as programming milestones. To have them both happen in the same year was a testament to Kiendl’s great leadership.”

In announcing his resignation, Kiendl states, “I have learned so much at Plug In, this has definitely been a career high point for me. To be able to accomplish this in my hometown makes it all the more meaningful. I will leave with great memories and confidence that Plug In will continue to evolve and succeed as a distinct and reputable contemporary art organization of international significance. I am grateful to have had this opportunity.”

Kiendl will temporarily relocate to New York City to pursue research and educational opportunities prior to commencing his appointment at the MacKenzie in May 2014. He will be participating in the School of Visual Arts Master of Fine Arts course in Art Criticism and Writing directed by David Levi Strauss.

Plug In’s Director of Development Heather Laser will assume Acting Director responsibilities for Plug In until the Board of Directors determines next steps in the period ahead.

Gonick states, “We wish Kiendl the best in his future endeavours, and look forward to an ongoing collegial relationship.”