The Phoenix Art Museum Board announced a $2.5M gift from Suzanne and Bud Selig to be used toward the funding of a Chief Curator, a position that is transformational for a museum of its size. This significant contribution is one of the largest gifts Phoenix Art Museum has received in recent years.

Suzanne Selig, who is a member of Phoenix Art Museum’s Board of Trustees and her husband Bud, the Commissioner Emeritus of Baseball are avid supporters of the arts and actively contribute to several cultural organizations in their home state of Wisconsin. “Bud and I truly love Phoenix Art Museum and wanted our contribution to be applied toward something that is instrumental in the growth of this wonderful institution,” said Sue Selig. “This museum holds a special place in our hearts and we hope our contribution allows it to develop into a museum that is recognized both nationally and internationally.

Recently at Phoenix Art Museum the position of Chief Curator has been the responsibility of the Museum’s director; making it a stand-alone position will allow the Director to concentrate efforts on fundraising and expanding the international visibility of the museum.

Amada Cruz, The Sybil Harrington Director of Phoenix Art Museum added, “As the first Chief Curator in over a decade, The Selig Family Chief Curator will develop an overall exhibitions and collections strategy that benefits the largest art museum in the Southwest. This position will allow our Museum to move to its next phase of expanded programming and enhanced visitor experiences.”

The Selig Family Chief Curator will have curatorial oversight of exhibitions, collections, and programming, and will provide strategic leadership to the Museum’s curatorial staff.  Along with curatorial responsibilities, this position will also assist with fundraising for exhibitions and art acquisitions.

“We are both grateful and honored by the generous gift from Sue and Bud Selig,” said Phoenix Art Museum Board of Trustees Chairman Jim Patterson. “Their gift will enable the Phoenix Art Museum to add a Chief Curator to our talented curatorial team that we were not otherwise in a position to do; this will enable the Museum to reach new heights in curatorial excellence.”

The search for The Selig Family Chief Curator will begin immediately.