Jewish Museum plans ‘for a new direction’ as director quits

The Jewish Museum’s chief executive is to step down, amid the organisation’s withdrawal from Arts Council England’s National Portfolio as it plans “for a new direction”.

Withdrawal from the portfolio, from which the museum receives £220,000 per year until 2022, comes as the museum says it will “review its business model”.

The museum outlined “the same level of investment will be received from the Arts Council along with an additional £100,000”.  It added that “extensive support” will also come from The National Lottery Heritage Fund while the museum looks at its “organisational structure over the
next two months”.

Arts Council England says the “exceptional course of action” will be permitted because of the Jewish Museum London (JML)’s “strategic significance nationally”.

Heralding the “creative energy and infectious determination” of Abigail Morris’ eight years in the role , Lord Young, JML chairman said she “ensured we were able to punch well above our weight and gain a world-wide reputation for our thought-provoking exhibitions and educational programme”.

Joyce Wilson, London Area Director, Arts Council England, said it “will continue to fund the organisation at the same level of investment while it takes time to review its business model”, while additional funding will help the JML’s future planning.

“We have agreed this exceptional course of action because of the organisation’s strategic significance nationally and its important work with the museum sector, local people and the wider Jewish community”, said.