The Midwest is rich with legacy museums founded around the turn of the last century by wealthy patrons. The Toledo Museum of Art, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Detroit Institute of Arts are three of the most prestigious museums in the country; however, all three have dealt with the challenges of economic downturn and changing demographics. And, notably, all three are now led by international directors.
For this year's International Museum Day, Irish-born Brian Kennedy has invited the DIA's Graham Beal (Great Britain) and Cleveland's David Franklin (Canada) to join him on the Peristyle stage for a wide-ranging discussion about the state of these grand "temples of art."
Moderated by Judith H. Dobrzynski, they talk about how they got interested in art, what museums are for, how museums figure in communities, and other contemporary issues.
Recorded and posted on YouTube.