Change is in the air at the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC)! Christina Vassallo, the current director, is preparing to move on, leaving behind a legacy of bold leadership and community engagement. The announcement, made on December 8, 2025, signals a new chapter for the Cincinnati institution. But what does this mean for the future of contemporary art in the city?
Vassallo's last day at the CAC will be January 2, 2026. She's trading the Queen City for Philadelphia, where she'll take the helm as executive director at the Pew Center for Arts & Heritage. This move marks a significant career step, and it's a testament to her skills and vision.
In a joint statement, CAC board presidents Emily Kokenge and Rick Michelman praised Vassallo's contributions. They highlighted her pivotal role in guiding the CAC, especially during the building's anniversary. They also noted her success in fostering partnerships with local art organizations, bolstering the organization's financial health, and elevating the CAC's reputation as a hub for thought-provoking contemporary art.
And this is the part most people miss... Vassallo's tenure, which began in March 2023, was marked by a strong focus on community engagement. She prioritized organizational sustainability, expanded the museum's local and global networks, and set a new artistic vision for the institution's upcoming 90th anniversary in 2027.
During her time, Vassallo oversaw several key projects. She helped organize a series of programs and an exhibition titled "A Permanent Nostalgia for Departure" for the 20th anniversary of the CAC's Zaha Hadid-designed building. She also brought the traveling exhibition "Jayson Musson: His History of Art" to the CAC and supported solo exhibitions by artists like Vivan Browne, Marcus Leslie Singleton, and Sheida Solemani.
Furthermore, Vassallo collaborated with colleagues at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Cleveland to launch "Ohio Now," an ongoing exhibition series showcasing artists from across the state. This initiative highlights her commitment to regional artistic talent.
"It has been an honor to shepherd CAC and be part of Cincinnati’s vibrant artistic legacy," Vassallo stated in a press release. She expressed pride in the exhibitions she brought to the city, the strong partnerships she forged with artists worldwide, and the steps taken to foster a more empathetic world through contemporary art.
But here's where it gets controversial... The CAC has already begun the search for an interim director, enlisting the services of Museum Search & Reference (MS&R), a Boston-based executive search firm specializing in recruiting senior leadership for museums and cultural institutions. This decision reflects the CAC's commitment to a smooth transition and its dedication to finding the right leader to guide the institution forward.
What do you think about this change? Do you believe Vassallo's contributions will have a lasting impact? What qualities should the next director possess to ensure the CAC's continued success? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
