Will Field Museum president John W. McCarter use his business sense to make science fun–and profitable?
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Some believe McCarter’s selection gives a clear indication of the board’s long-term goals. “Boards increasingly are expecting most not-for-profit institutions to become more like businesses,” says Janeanne Upp, associate director of the Museum of Contemporary Art. Field board members say McCarter was a logical choice, given the financial difficulties now faced by museums.
Over the last five years, annual attendance at the Field Museum has re-mained flat at about 1.2 million. The Field is still considered one of the great archives of natural history, with nearly one million square feet of exhibitions and a staff of 72 PhDs researching a range of scientific topics. But the museum can no longer attract visitors simply by selling itself as a great repository of knowledge. “Edu-tainment”
Will more business executives like McCarter wind up running Chicago museums? The Museum of Science and Industry is currently searching for a new leader, and some sources believe its board may also reach into the ranks of business. Yet Art Institute spokeswoman Eileen Harakal doubts corporate types will be running art museums anytime soon. “Art museums have always been viewed as requiring a more specialized kind of knowledge and experience.” President James Wood came to the Art Institute with a long history at other art museums; so did MCA director Kevin Consey. But McCarter believes appointments like his will become more common. Northwestern University’s Kellogg business school agrees. Its newsletter tacked this bit of advice at the end of a report on McCarter’s appointment–“Kellogg students take note: your options are expanding.”
