Incoming KMAC Director Envisions Efficient Museum With Contemporary Exhibits

The new director of the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft will start work next month, but he's already been meeting with fundraisers in Louisville.Aldy Milliken previously ran a gallery in Sweden where he connected with contemporary artists. He says he wants to raise money to bring their exhibits to Louisville.“So many good artists today are trying to take back craft in their own practice," he says. "That's something I've been seeing in my travels around the world. And I thought this was a potential to go towards something a lot of people aren't thinking about in institutions or galleries, but artists are thinking about these things.”The museum's previous director and deputy director were suddenly dismissed amid a slight controversy earlier this year. The board reportedly wanted someone more progressive.“I come from working with some of the best contemporary artists in the world," says Milliken. "It's very much a progressive society or group that I work with. Clearly the board, when they hired me, they were definitely making a statement.”   An attorney was looking into the situation, but no charges were filed.Milliken says he'd like to improve fundraising and make KMAC a small, efficient museum that can train students and emerging artists.