UC Irvine and OCMA Explore Merger Possibility

News Summary

UC Irvine and the Orange County Museum of Art have initiated discussions regarding a potential merger, following a nonbinding letter of intent. This step could enhance cultural and educational opportunities in Southern California’s arts community. Approval from the University of California Board of Regents is needed, with an evaluation expected in the fall. The merger could impact the organizational structure of OCMA and align it closer with UCI’s ongoing focus on California art collections, especially as OCMA prepares for its upcoming 2025 California Biennial.

Irvine, California – UC Irvine (UCI) and the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) have officially entered discussions regarding a potential merger after signing a nonbinding letter of intent. This development marks a significant step toward potentially placing OCMA under UCI’s control, integrating it with UCI’s Langson Institute and Museum of California Art.

The proposed merger is contingent upon approval from the University of California Board of Regents, which is expected to evaluate the arrangement in the fall. If finalized, the merger could redefine the organizational structure and operational approach of the OCMA while enhancing cultural and educational opportunities within the Southern California arts community.

This announcement follows the recent news that OCMA’s CEO, Heidi Zuckerman, plans to step down in December. Zuckerman’s departure creates a transitional period for OCMA as it embarks on this exploratory merger with UCI. Such major discussions about collaboration are timely as OCMA gears up to launch its 2025 California Biennial, titled “Desperate, Scared, But Social,” which will run from Saturday through January 4.

David Emmes, the OCMA board chair, noted that collaborating with UCI could reinforce the museum’s mission to become a stronger cultural anchor in the region, expanding both its educational offerings and community engagement. OCMA’s recent 53,000-square-foot building, part of the expansive Segerstrom Center for the Arts, opened its doors in October 2022 at a cost of $93 million. It welcomed over 10,000 visitors within its first 24 hours of operation, highlighting a robust interest in its facilities, even as critics pointed out that the structure appeared unfinished at its unveiling.

Currently, there exists a distinct focus within UCI on California art, particularly pieces from the early 20th-century California Impressionism movement. In contrast, OCMA possesses a more extensive contemporary art collection. If the merger proceeds, UCI is poised to abandon its plans for developing a dedicated museum on its own campus, opting instead to integrate those resources and strategies into OCMA’s framework.

In light of the potential merger, UCI is also on the lookout for a new director for its museum. This position is anticipated to align with OCMA’s director search to promote a cohesive leadership structure in the event the merger proceeds. The merger would also allow UCI to incorporate the Buck Collection, which was bequeathed to the institution in 2017 and comprises over 3,200 pieces by notable California artists, including works by David Hockney and Ed Ruscha.

UCI Chancellor Howard Gillman has expressed a positive outlook on the partnership, emphasizing the anticipated expansion of arts engagement and access for the surrounding community. As both institutions continue exploratory discussions, they remain attentive to the logistics and specifics of the proposed merger.

The discussions come in a larger context, where various regions across the country have seen successful mergers between universities and museums that yielded enhanced art resources and engagement opportunities. The potential merger has reignited conversations about the historical ties between UCI and OCMA, who have informally explored collaboration for decades.

Without the merger, UCI will maintain its efforts to find a permanent space for its art collections, which are currently housed in a temporary gallery located near John Wayne Airport. This ongoing quest highlights the importance of stable resources for curating and displaying art effectively within the community. With both institutions exploring the synergy that a merger might offer, the future of arts engagement in Southern California hangs in the balance.

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UC Irvine and OCMA Explore Merger for Art Resources

Additional Resources

• ARTnews: Orange County Museum of Art and UC Irvine Merger Discussion
• Los Angeles Times: Essential Arts – UC Irvine and Orange County Museum of Art
• OC Register: UC Irvine and OC Museum of Art May Merge
• Google Search: Orange County Museum of Art UC Irvine merger
• ARTnews: Heidi Zuckerman Stepping Down from OCMA
• Wikipedia: California Art