Print Center New York, the preeminent nonprofit exhibition space focused on exploring printmaking within broad social, historical, and cultural contexts, is excited to announce the appointment of Yukiko Yamagata as its next Executive Director. Yamagata will build upon the organization's commitment to presenting a diverse range of high-quality exhibitions and public programming that expand access to and understanding of printmaking. She will succeed Judy Hecker, Executive Director Emerita, following her decade-long tenure, and will work in close partnership with Jenn Bratovich, Chief Curator at Print Center New York, who has been serving as Acting Executive Director since June. 

"Yukiko brings to Print Center a unique combination of leadership experience in the arts, philanthropy and organizational development, alongside a clear and inspiring vision for how Print Center can be best positioned in this next chapter of the organization's growth," said Board Chair David Sabel. "Our Board of Trustees-led by a Search Committee representing the diverse stakeholders of the arts community we serve -conducted a national search, and Yukiko stood out for how she balances a talent for capacity-building with strong programmatic instincts and experience working in a global context. We are excited to welcome a leader who will think creatively about strengthening our operational resilience as we continue to grow."

Yamagata joins Print Center New York with over two decades of philanthropy, curatorial and leadership experience across photography, socially engaged art and public art. Throughout her career, she has championed the vital role that art and culture play in strengthening society and affirming individual and collective identity. Her steadfast commitment to ensuring that the platforms, institutions and systems that nurture artists continue to serve as spaces for creativity, innovation and free expression aligns with Print Center's commitment to promoting the historical and contemporary importance of printmaking through robust, accessible programming.

"I am thrilled to be leading Print Center New York at such a pivotal moment in the organization's history, and as print is experiencing renewed interest and popularity," said Yamagata. "Print Center's founder Anne Coffin and former Executive Director Judy Hecker have laid an incredible foundation for the organization, making it a vital space for the appreciation of what is so unique about printmaking, while also emphasizing creative discovery, innovation, and cross-disciplinary inquiry. I look forward to working with Print Center's Board, staff and collaborators to build on this visionary work to continue deepening our impact on the print ecosystem -artists, printers, publishers, curators, collectors, print dealers and enthusiasts—and expanding partnerships locally, nationally and globally."

Yamagata most recently served as Deputy Director of Creative Time, the New York-based public arts organization, where she led institutional management and served as Interim Executive Director during the organization's leadership transition last winter. During her tenure at Creative Time, she focused not only on building internal capacity for the organization, but also on collaborative leadership development across the New York City arts ecosystem more broadly, through her participation in the NYFA Incubator for Executive Leaders of Color and as Co-Chair of the Collaborative Arts Network New York (CANNY). Prior to Creative Time, Yamagata led global arts, culture and photography programs at Open Society Foundations, where, as Curatorial and Deputy Director for Culture and Art, she oversaw a $15.8 million global program providing fellowships and grants to socially engaged artists, cultural producers and arts organizations throughout Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. She also led the transformation and expansion of Open Society's Documentary Photography Project, a $2 million global grantmaking and exhibition program supporting documentary photographers.

"Yukiko is an exceptionally well-rounded leader who is deeply attentive to the needs of artists and how they work within greater communities," added Jenn Bratovich, Chief Curator at Print Center. "This is no more true than in printmaking, where artists, printers and publishers form uniquely collaborative creative networks. I'm so excited to partner with her now to strengthen Print Center New York's ambitious program and develop our position as leaders supporting creativity not just in our field but in the broader nonprofit art sector."

Image credit: Argenis Apolinario