The Portland Art Museum has officially appointed Michael J. Anderson as its new director. Anderson, who currently leads the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, will assume his new role on October 12, 2026. This selection follows an extensive nine-month search conducted after the departure of former director Brian Ferriso, who led the organization for two decades and oversaw the completion of a major 111 million dollar campus renovation.
Anderson brings an academic and executive background to the position, holding a PhD in the history of art and film studies. His career includes work as a teacher, curator, and museum executive. The museum search committee highlighted his disciplined leadership style as a key factor in his selection, noting his ability to manage the museum's existing strengths while expanding its overall public impact.
During his tenure in Oklahoma City, Anderson implemented initiatives focused on broader accessibility. These included bilingual gallery interpretation, free admission programs for children, and collaborative efforts with regional Indigenous artists. He has expressed interest in working closely with the curators of the Portland Art Museum's Native American collection to continue similar outreach efforts.
As the museum enters a post-expansion phase, visitation numbers have reportedly increased by 35 percent since the opening of the new Mark Rothko Pavilion last year. Anderson intends to maintain a focus on Pacific Northwest and Oregon art while identifying new ways to connect with local audiences. His primary task upon starting in October is to meet with the curatorial team to review existing projects and programming goals.