http://www.kotv.com/news/local/story/?id=133215
TU Might Takeover Management At Gilcrease
KOTV - 8/6/2007 8:15 PM - Updated 8/6/2007 8:35 PM
The News On 6 has learned that the University of Tulsa might takeover the management of Gilcrease Museum.
The Gilcrease belongs to the city of Tulsa, which has run it jointly with a private foundation. TU would assume the management duties for the museum, and create a new academic and research area there if the city agrees.
The Trustees of the school have approved looking into it, and the city is now drafting the legal work, which would have to be approved by the city council, and the University trustees.
A representative for Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor said it would not result in a savings for the city, but would improve the operations of the museum.
Brilliant solution to making a better museum and a better school.
I like it.
It's only brilliant if there are qualified people at Tulsa University to run a world class Museum. This ain't no flying roll restaurant. The University itself is in the top 100 schools according to US News & World Report. However, there is no indication as to what rank it is in museum management. A university is not necessarily qualified to run an important museum. This is not the time for more mediocrity in Tulsa.
The Gilcrease Museum report that was made by a prominent NYC Museum manager last fall, recommended that the Museum consult highly qualified museums.
I am not opposed to TU managing the GM, but we have an obligation to get it right. It is one of the only assets in Tulsa that is truly world class.
See here for my blog on the subject.
http://boundrationality.blogspot.com/2007/08/gilcrease-museum-teaming-with-tulsa.html#links
You make good points Jeff.
I have full confidence in the University of Tulsa and their ability to do it right.
We love Gilcrease. We took our children there as infants and held them next to paintings to focus their eyes.
quote:
Originally posted by ttown_jeff
It's only brilliant if there are qualified people at Tulsa University to run a world class Museum. This ain't no flying roll restaurant. The University itself is in the top 100 schools according to US News & World Report. However, there is no indication as to what rank it is in museum management. A university is not necessarily qualified to run an important museum. This is not the time for more mediocrity in Tulsa.
The Gilcrease Museum report that was made by a prominent NYC Museum manager last fall, recommended that the Museum consult highly qualified museums.
I am not opposed to TU managing the GM, but we have an obligation to get it right. It is one of the only assets in Tulsa that is truly world class.
See here for my blog on the subject.
http://boundrationality.blogspot.com/2007/08/gilcrease-museum-teaming-with-tulsa.html#links
The collections are world class. A stunning collection of art and artifacts. The facilities are an insult to that collection and the city.
I agree with you "TheArtist." I hope that after they settle the management structure for the museum, they immediately start a campaign to build a spectacular new facility designed by a top name architect.
If T.U. is involved with the management, then it would be nice to have a matching satellite facility on the T.U. campus as well.
If Philbrook can raise 20 million just to redo and add to their gardens, then Gilcrease should be able to raise at least 100 million for a new building.
I had not really thought about a new building and a satellite museum. It's a good Idea. We ought to consider moving it downtown or on the University.
But let's get the management worked out first.
Definitely get the management straightened out first.
I don't think they should move the main museum. They just need a new building. I think they own something like 400 acres out there with beautiful views of the Osage Hills.
I would love to see a big, new, modern art museum for downtown, though.
quote:
Originally posted by TulsaEx
Definitely get the management straightened out first.
I don't think they should move the main museum. They just need a new building. I think they own something like 400 acres out there with beautiful views of the Osage Hills.
I would love to see a big, new, modern art museum for downtown, though.
If they have that much space, I'd rather see them expand where they are. The philbrook satellite/art lofts/etc already going in downtown will be a big impact already.
quote:
Originally posted by TulsaEx
Definitely get the management straightened out first.
I don't think they should move the main museum. They just need a new building. I think they own something like 400 acres out there with beautiful views of the Osage Hills.
I would love to see a big, new, modern art museum for downtown, though.
I still vote to convert the current central library into such a place
quote:
Originally posted by swake
quote:
Originally posted by TulsaEx
Definitely get the management straightened out first.
I don't think they should move the main museum. They just need a new building. I think they own something like 400 acres out there with beautiful views of the Osage Hills.
I would love to see a big, new, modern art museum for downtown, though.
I still vote to convert the current central library into such a place
My vote for the library is childrens/interactive museum. Our current focus is "we want tulsans downtown, as long as you're over 21"
What is wrong with the Gilcrease Museum building?
I can understand fixing the old building up and even remodeling it to make it more modern but I'm confused why so many of you want "their" art collection moved. [?]
quote:
Originally posted by sgrizzle
quote:
Originally posted by swake
quote:
Originally posted by TulsaEx
Definitely get the management straightened out first.
I don't think they should move the main museum. They just need a new building. I think they own something like 400 acres out there with beautiful views of the Osage Hills.
I would love to see a big, new, modern art museum for downtown, though.
I still vote to convert the current central library into such a place
My vote for the library is childrens/interactive museum. Our current focus is "we want tulsans downtown, as long as you're over 21"
I didn't mean to suggest that they move the entire museum downtown. It's perfect right where it is. It would be good to have a Gilcrease sattelite museum downtown.
A world class children's museum would be be great downtown. If they would have converted the ICE CUBE into a fashion mall, instead of a governmental castle, we could have had a mall, a couple of museums, some cool buildings, an arena, some apartments/condos, NOW THAT is a downtown, people could start coming to. (Oh, and stick a Wal-Mart in there, just so people won't think we're too snobby)