San Jose Museum of Art Appoints Kirk Davis as New Executive Director
SAN JOSE, CA – September 11, 2025 – The San Jose Museum of art (SJMA) has named Kirk Davis as its new executive director, the museum announced today. Davis, who comes from a background in theater and performing arts, will lead the institution as it seeks to establish itself as a “fresh, contemporary institution” within the Bay Area’s diverse cultural landscape.
Davis emphasized the unique opportunities presented by San Jose’s multicultural position, noting the potential for programming and exhibitions that blend local identity with global influences.”A city like San Jose – and a region like the Bay Area and a state like California – is very global,” he said. “It’s connected to culture all over the world,and I think combining that uniqueness with global influences that are already present in the area is a perfect mix.”
While acknowledging his background is somewhat unconventional for a museum director,Davis believes his experience fosters a collaborative spirit. He expressed enthusiasm for exploring the arts ecosystem in Silicon Valley and forging partnerships with organizations like the Institute of Contemporary Art,Opera San jose,and the Montalvo Arts Center in Saratoga.
“I think solidarity and collaboration just enhances the collective impact,” Davis stated. “When institutions combine forces, they can amplify their ability to engage with audiences to reach new heights and to gain more of a following than they can individually.”
The appointment comes at a time of financial and attendance challenges for cultural institutions nationwide, making collaboration notably crucial.
In othre local arts news:
* Alamo Drafthouse Cinema locations at Westfield Valley Fair and Mountain View will host a Free Film Fest next weekend,September 19-21,featuring classics like “Superman” and “Vertigo” alongside newer films like “Tenet” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” A $10 food voucher is required for reservation. Details are available at www.drafthouse.com/sf.
* 3Below Theaters in downtown San Jose is offering a fall promotion: attend five movies in the next seven weeks and receive a voucher for nine admissions at $9 each. The theater’s “Big Screen Project” includes a “Lights, Camera, Liftoff” series focused on space exploration with talks from NASA experts. More information can be found at www.3belowtheaters.com.
* The Santa Clara Valley Model T Ford Club’s Cars in the Park event at History Park in San Jose will take place this Saturday, starting at 11 a.m.