Mario R. Rossero Appointed as Director of The Andy Warhol Museum

**Mario Rossero Appointed New Director of The Andy Warhol Museum**

The Andy Warhol Museum has announced Mario R. Rossero as its new director, marking a pivotal moment for one of Pittsburgh’s most iconic cultural institutions. Rossero, with a rich background in arts education and administration, will assume the role on March 31, 2023. He also steps into the position of vice president within the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh network, succeeding interim director Rachel Baron-Horn.

### Who is Mario R. Rossero?

Hailing from rural southwest Pennsylvania, Rossero’s ascension to this prestigious position is a homecoming, bringing him back to an institution that significantly shaped his early career. After earning his undergraduate degree in Art and Education from Washington and Jefferson College in 1997, Rossero began his professional journey as a teaching artist at the Andy Warhol Museum. At the same time, he taught elementary art in the Shaler Area School District, located in North Pittsburgh.

Rossero continued his education in New York City, obtaining a graduate degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from the Bank Street College of Education in 2001. This set the stage for his subsequent leadership roles in art education. His career saw a geographical and professional evolution, as he relocated to Chicago, where he rose through the ranks of the Chicago Public Schools to direct fine and performing arts programs across the city. Later, in 2015, he joined the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington, DC, as its senior vice president of education.

In 2020, Rossero was appointed executive director of the National Art Education Association (NAEA), a role through which he advanced equity, diversity, and inclusion in arts education. During his tenure, he secured an $8.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to strengthen accessibility and professional development within art education programs nationally. His appointment as director of the Warhol Museum represents a full-circle moment in his storied career.

### Leadership Vision and Challenges at the Andy Warhol Museum

Rossero’s appointment comes during a period of significant change and some tension at the museum. As he steps into his new role, Rossero faces the challenge of continuing the museum’s legacy while navigating concerns about its future direction.

One prominent issue is the museum’s Pop District initiative, a tourism and education project aimed at expanding the museum’s reach. While the initiative has ambitious goals, it has reportedly sparked internal dissent, with some employees resigning over fears that its objectives may misalign with the museum’s core mission and available resources. Rossero’s leadership will be pivotal in charting a balanced course for the program that aligns with the museum’s identity and operational strengths.

Additionally, Rossero inherits a museum grappling with the ramifications of past controversies. One such example is the backlash over a wall text accompanying Andy Warhol’s *Ten Portraits of Jews of the Twentieth Century* (1980), which some critics said provided an oversimplified and unbalanced portrayal of Middle Eastern conflicts. Ensuring thoughtful curation and inclusivity within the museum’s exhibitions will be key to reinforcing its reputation as a place of critical engagement with contemporary and historical issues.

In light of these hurdles, Rossero remains optimistic. In a public statement, he described his return to the Warhol Museum as a transformative opportunity to build upon the institution’s legacy while fostering innovation. “This is a homecoming, returning to an institution that played a pivotal role in my early career, shaping my approach and trajectory as an artist, educator, and organizational leader,” he said.

### A Legacy to Uphold: Sustaining Warhol’s Vision

As director, Rossero will oversee one of the largest museums dedicated to a single artist in North America, housing an extensive collection of works, archives, and memorabilia from Andy Warhol’s groundbreaking career. The museum serves as both a vibrant repository of Warhol’s legacy and a platform for exploring contemporary art and culture through the lens of his enduring influence.

Rossero’s focus on education—including his robust experience in developing community programs and arts curricula—aligns closely with the museum’s goals. He has expressed his enthusiasm for furthering its role as an educational hub through initiatives such as the Pop District. He is uniquely situated to channel his background into expanding the museum’s outreach to younger and more diverse audiences, ensuring that the Warhol Museum remains an accessible and dynamic cultural resource.

### Paving the Way Forward

Rossero takes the reins of the Andy Warhol Museum in a complex but exciting time. With deep ties to the institution and decades of experience advocating for arts education, he brings a blend of personal familiarity and professional expertise to his new role. His leadership will be instrumental in navigating the museum’s challenges while ensuring it continues to be a global leader in contemporary arts and culture.

As the museum moves into this new chapter under Mario Rossero’s stewardship, it offers an opportunity to reflect on Andy Warhol’s enduring impact on