The Detroit Institute of Arts made fresh headlines late last month with the announcement that its three top executives, including newly retired director Graham Beal, are in line for bonuses and pay hikes topping $600,000.
Only $49,000 would come from taxpayers, and the rest would come from private donor funds.
The announcement triggered criticism, particularly in Oakland and Macomb Counties, where county art authorities get to have their say in DIA operations in return for voters approving a regional tax that helped keep museum doors open.
Amid the talk about executive compensation is this fact: The DIA is facing some stiff competition in its search for Graham Beal’s replacement.
And they’re not the only ones looking. Ten top U.S. museums and one in Toronto are scouting for new directors, with nine more having appointed new directors since January.
Crain’s Detroit Business’ Sheri Welch talks more with us about the search in our conversation above.
