The Westmoreland Museum of American Art names new Director/CEO

Silvia Filippini-Fantoni Appointed as The Richard M. Scaife Director/CEO
of The Westmoreland Museum of American Art

 GREENSBURG, Pennsylvania (June 22, 2023) – The Westmoreland Museum of American Art is pleased to announce the appointment of Silvia Filippini-Fantoni, Ph.D., as The Richard M. Scaife Director/CEO of the Museum. Filippini-Fantoni has over 20 years of experience in the museum field with expertise in the areas of art, education, interpretation, and community engagement. She is committed to fostering inclusive and innovative museum experiences and has a proven record of success in cultivating audience growth and diversification. She will begin in the role at The Westmoreland in the beginning of August.

 "I am incredibly excited to embark on this new journey as The Richard M. Scaife Director/CEO of The Westmoreland Museum of American Art. Art has the power to inspire, challenge, and connect us, and I am dedicated to ensuring that this institution continues to be a vibrant space for exploration and dialogue. I look forward to working closely with the talented team at The Westmoreland, and engaging the community through meaningful partnerships. Building upon the exceptional legacies of my predecessors, we will continue to celebrate the diversity of American art and create transformative experiences that resonate with visitors of all backgrounds," remarked Filippini-Fantoni.

Currently serving as the Deputy Director, Learning and Engagement at The Newark Museum of Art, Filippini-Fantoni has played a transformative role in the institution by implementing technology-based participatory and immersive experiences. Additionally, she has strengthened the museum’s community ties by fostering partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and artists, resulting in a 30% increase in visitor diversity.

Prior to her tenure at The Newark Museum of Art, Filippini-Fantoni held senior positions at the North Carolina Museum of Art and the Indianapolis Museum of Art, where she spearheaded the development of interpretive experiences, programs, and audience research initiatives. She has also contributed her expertise to renowned institutions such as the British Museum and the J. Paul Getty Museum, and collaborated on award-winning projects with organizations like Tate Modern and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Born in the medieval Italian town of Bergamo, Filippini-Fantoni developed a passion for art and history from a young age. She holds a Ph.D. in aesthetics and art sciences from The Sorbonne in Paris and a history degree from the University of Milan. In recognition of her influential contributions to the museum industry, she was honored as one of the Blooloop 50 Museum Influencers in 2020.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are delighted to have Silvia join The Westmoreland as The Richard M. Scaife Director/CEO. She brings a wealth of experience to the role from past positions at other museums, and we look forward to the strong leadership she will provide for our organization as we look ahead to the future,” stated Board President Helene Conway-Long.

Next year will mark the 65^th anniversary of The Westmoreland first opening its doors to the public in 1959. Filippini-Fantoni will join the Museum as the fourth director in the organization’s history with Paul Chew, Ph.D., Judith Hansen O’Toole and Anne Kraybill serving in that capacity before her.
 

About The Westmoreland Museum of American Art:
Western Pennsylvania’s only museum dedicated to American art, The Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, is a place to share meaningful cultural experiences that open the door to new ideas, perspectives and possibilities. The Westmoreland’s extraordinary permanent collection with its strong focus on the art and artists of Southwestern Pennsylvania is complemented by an impressive temporary exhibition schedule featuring both nationally traveling exhibitions and those organized by the Museum. Additionally, The Westmoreland presents a full slate of community-oriented programming as well as special events. More information is available at thewestmoreland.org and on the Museum’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram profiles.

General admission to the Museum is free with advance online registration recommended. The Museum’s operating hours are Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm. One can find information on registering for a visit at thewestmoreland.org/visit.