ICA Announces New Curators

The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston has two new hires. Jenelle Porter is taking on the role of senior curator, and long-time independent curator Pedro Alonzo is now adjunct curator for the museum.

“These appointments come during a period of great energy and growth at the museum as the ICA continues to evolve in its waterfront home and our curatorial ranks expand,” said ICA Director Jill Medvedow in a press release. Those ranks include chief curator Helen Molesworth, hired in early 2010.

Jenelle Porter will get to work as senior curator in January, 2011. She comes most recently from the ICA Philadephia, but has also organized noteworthy exhibitions in New York at the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. According to the ICA's annoucement, Porter will focus on building the museum’s permanent collection, as well as developing new exhibitions and programs.

Pedro Alonzo, based in Boston, has established himself as a talented independent curator over the past few years. His Shepard Fairey: Supply and Demand show was a big hit at the ICA in 2009. Alonzo's first show in his new role will feature the New York street artist known as Swoon.

Both Porter and Alonzo look to be in for a very busy year at the ICA. 2011 marks the institute's 75th anniversary, and preparations are already underway.