Tsugumi Maki

Tsugumi Maki, who joined the RISD community in fall 2023, brings 25 years of experience in the museum field to her role as director of the RISD Museum, including her previous role as chief exhibitions and collections officer at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). In this role, Maki oversaw exhibitions, collection and design programs that contributed to the museum’s continued status as a global leader in the art world.

During her SFMOMA tenure, Maki successfully overhauled the museum’s exhibitions development strategy, resulting in captivating and groundbreaking art experiences for visitors. She also played a crucial role in revamping the accession process, ensuring the careful and thoughtful growth of SFMOMA’s collection. One of Maki’s primary focuses was also to foster collaboration, creativity and growth within her division, and to create a positive and inclusive work culture that values and supports professional growth.

Prior to joining SFMOMA, Maki served as chief operating officer at the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston, where she focused on strengthening the museum’s institutional infrastructure. She also was associate director of operations and collections management at the Davis Museum at Wellesley College, overseeing all collections and operational activities. Previous to Wellesley, Maki spent nearly 20 years at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, most recently serving as the head of gallery planning. While at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Maki played a key role in developing major expansion projects such as the Art of the Americas Wing and the Linde Family Wing galleries.

Maki holds an MFA from Tufts University/School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and a BS in Cinema & Photography from Ithaca College. Her global perspective and widespread respect within the industry further bolster her invaluable contributions to the field.