University of California San Diego (UC San Diego) has selected Jessica Berlanga-Taylor as the Stuart Collection Director, following an executive search process led by Arts Consulting Group (ACG). She will begin her tenure on April 18, 2022.
An accomplished curator and artist, Berlanga-Taylor joins the Stuart Collection after serving as curator for projects at The University Museum of Contemporary Art, Mexico, Casa Luis Barragán and the Museum of Modern Art in Mexico City. She was also a lead consultant on Gender Policies, Public Space, and Social Participation for The Museum of the Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico.
Previously she worked as chief curator for Fundación Alumnos, as well as working on curatorial projects through public spaces in Mexico City. This includes a sound performance in the Mexico City subway with 200 women participants and an experimental visual essay in collaboration with Central American migrant teenage girls. In addition to her curatorial and commission work, Berlanga-Taylor has also authored three books and multiple articles, essays, and other written works. She is also an active presenter and lecturer. Berlanga-Taylor holds a bachelor of art degree in art history from Centro de Cultura Casa Lamm, a master of art degree in art history from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), and has completely multiple curatorial intensives and seminars.
In making the announcement, Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla said, “Please join us in congratulating Jessica Berlanga-Taylor on her appointment. Her commitment to art, learning, and diverse, equitable and inclusive participation will serve the Stuart Collection well. Her passion and diverse professional background will further our vision to firmly establish UC San Diego as an arts destination in Southern California and beyond.”
“Congratulations to UC San Diego on the appointment of Jessica Berlanga-Taylor as Director of the Stuart Collection,” said ACG President Dr. Bruce D. Thibodeau. “Her vast curatorial and commissioning experience, along with her passionate advocacy for contemporary art and community engagement, will be instrumental in guiding this internationally acclaimed collection to its next phase of growth.”
April 2022