The Newport Art Museum has named Harry Philbrick, a museum professional with nearly 40 years of experience, as its new executive director, the museum announced Friday.
Philbrick, a Rhode Island native, will begin his role in mid-September after completing his current position as interim director of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Museum. He will succeed interim executive director Ruth Taylor.
“Harry is an extraordinary talent who will lead the Newport Art Museum into a future that honors the past yet remains innovative and relevant,” said Ellie Voorhes, chair of the museum’s board. “This museum has been a vibrant cultural hub in Newport for more than a century.”
Philbrick’s career has included leadership roles at The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Museum and Philadelphia Contemporary, which he founded in 2016. At Philadelphia Contemporary, he raised more than $10 million during his tenure as director through 2023.
During his time at The Aldrich, Philbrick led a $9 million capital campaign for a new building and helped grow the institution’s endowment from $9 million to nearly $30 million.
“Art, creativity, and their power to bring people together have always been at the center of my life and career,” Philbrick said. “The Newport Art Museum is uniquely positioned to foster those connections.”
Philbrick also served as interim director of the Fabric Workshop and Museum, where he led the organization through a strategic restructuring. His other experience includes roles at the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, as well as the Hayward Gallery in London.
He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of London and was an apprentice to artist Judith Rothschild early in his career.
“We believe that Harry is exactly the kind of leader the museum needs to continue to build on our momentum,” said Ellen Bowman, a member of the museum’s board of directors and search committee.
The Newport Art Museum was founded in 1912 as the Art Association of Newport and serves as a cultural cornerstone in the city, offering programming and showcasing classic and contemporary art.
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