From the Met to the Midwest: Kelly Baum on Leading the Des Moines Art Center

In this episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, host Adam Green speaks
with Kelly Baum, the John and Mary Pappajohn Director of the Des
Moines Art Center. Formerly a curator of contemporary art at the
Metropolitan Museum of Art, Kelly made a bold move from New York to
Iowa to take on the leadership of one of the country’s most dynamic
regional museums. We discuss what motivated her decision to leave
the Met, the unique history and vision of the Des Moines Art
Center, and how the institution has built an exceptional collection
by embracing risk-taking and innovation. Kelly shares insights into
the transition from curator to director, the opportunities and
challenges of leading a museum outside a major art hub, and the
ways she’s working to maintain a strong local presence while
ensuring the museum remains visible on the national stage. She also
offers a preview of exciting upcoming exhibitions and reflects on
what has surprised her most about Iowa’s art community.