The MAK Center for Art and Architecture’s Jia Yi Gu has announced she is stepping down from the role of director. In an Instagram post the architectural designer, curator, and historian announced she would be leaving the position to start on a new chapter in her career as an assistant professor in architecture at Harvey Mudd College. For four years she served as director of the center, which oversees three historic properties: the Schindler House, Mackey Apartments, and Fitzpatrick-Leland House. These locations host various exhibitions and residency programs.
In the post she expressed her thanks to all of her colleagues at the MAK Center and went on to write that under her leadership the MAK Center hosted over 20 exhibitions, among these Schindler House: 100 Years in the Making, Seeking Zohn, and Print Ready Drawings. Gu also touted her instrumental role in advancing the fundraising and philanthropic efforts of MAK Center.
“A major accomplishment in my time has been to establish a dedicated position to development and fundraising, expanding the infrastructures of support necessary for the organization; initiating the Centennial Council, a philanthropic leadership council that supports us in tangible ways; and partnering with experiential community-based organizations,” the post read.
The MAK Center has already posted a job listing for the director role. Among the listed responsibilities are: fundraising and financial management, overseeing the residency program, and supervising staff and facilities workers. According to the listing the director will report to the director of MAK Vienna and board members of the MAK Center. The MAK Center shared it is looking to have the new director begin in July.
