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UC Irvine and OCMA Explore Merger for Art Resources

A concept of a modern art museum representing the potential merger of UCI and OCMA.

News Summary

UC Irvine and the Orange County Museum of Art are in discussions about a potential merger that could enhance art resources and programming in the region. The merger would integrate UCI’s Langson Institute into a larger gallery space at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, providing access to a consolidated collection of over 9,000 pieces. If successful, this partnership aims to strengthen UCI’s fine arts program and improve community art accessibility throughout Orange County.

Irvine, California

UC Irvine and the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) have entered into a “nonbinding, exploratory letter of intent” to discuss a potential merger that could revamp art resources and programming in the region. The proposed merger aims to integrate UCI’s Jack and Shanaz Langson Institute and Museum of California Art into a shared 53,000-square-foot gallery located at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, which currently houses the OCMA.

The merger discussions encompass considerations for appointing a new director and potentially rebranding the museum with a new name. Art enthusiasts in the area stand to gain access to a larger consolidated collection, boasting over 9,000 permanent pieces, including approximately 4,500 paintings and other works overseen by UC Irvine. This collection represents critical examples of California art.

The potential merger may also enhance UCI’s fine arts program, which includes roughly 250 undergraduate and graduate students, by providing additional resources for artistic pursuits. Currently, OCMA’s facility, which features studios, workspaces, and galleries, has attracted about 250,000 visitors annually since it opened in 2022.

Formal discussions regarding the merger have been ongoing in an informal capacity for decades. The conclusion of formal talks, along with all required approvals, is anticipated in the fall, contingent upon consent from the University of California Board of Regents.

UCI’s Rich Fine Arts History

Since the 1970s, UC Irvine has established itself as a West Coast hub for various art forms, encompassing areas such as performance art and digital art. The university has been proactive in fundraising, with efforts directed towards a new museum initiative as part of a broader $2 billion campaign launched in 2019, aimed at increasing visibility and support for the arts within the academic community and beyond.

OCMA’s Evolution and Current Dynamics

Founded in 1962 by 13 women on Balboa Peninsula, the Orange County Museum of Art has dedicated its mission to showcasing artists from California and the Pacific Rim. Since its relocation to Costa Mesa, OCMA has witnessed a surge in visitor numbers, bolstered by a $2.5 million gift that has allowed free admission through at least 2032. The museum’s current leadership is undergoing a transition, with director Heidi Zuckerman planning to depart from her role in December at the conclusion of her contract. Following her departure, Zuckerman intends to focus on her media entity, HZ Inc., in addition to her podcast, About Art, while assisting in the search for her successor.

Future Considerations for Both Institutions

If the merger does not materialize, UC Irvine will pursue plans to acquire a permanent museum. The institution currently operates a temporary gallery near John Wayne Airport, which suffers from limitations in size and exhibition capacity. Should the merger proceed, the newly formed entity is expected to focus on improving community integration and increasing art accessibility throughout Orange County.

In light of the ongoing merger discussions, both UC Irvine and OCMA are concurrently seeking new directors, alerting prospective candidates to the anticipated changes in leadership dynamics that may arise should the merger come to fruition. The collaboration between these two institutions aims to expand their reach and bolster the artistic landscape in Orange County.