Isimeme (Meme) Omogbai was named executive director of the College Art Association. She took office on March 30.
Founded in 1911, the College Art Association promotes excellence in scholarship and teaching in the visual arts. It is the oldest and largest support organization for those working in the visual arts. Over 12,000 artists, art historians, scholars, curators, critics, collectors, educators, publishers, and other professionals in the visual arts belong as individual members. Another 2,000 departments of art and art history in colleges and universities, art schools, museums, libraries, and professional and commercial organizations hold institutional memberships.
Before joining the College Art Association, Omogbai served as a member and past Board Chair of the New Jersey Historic Trust, one of four landmark entities dedicated to the preservation of the state’s historic and cultural heritage. She also served on the Montclair State University’s Advisory Board.
Taking on her new role in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Omogbai stated “we have seen examples of the indomitable human spirit overcome adversity.”¯Art inspired by challenging experiences is a common thread for many of the world’s most distinguished creative minds. Now more than ever there is a need to provide access”¯to robust edifying visual arts experiences that are inclusive of diverse practices and practitioners”¯for”¯every adult and child, professional and student, nationality and race across the globe. Together we can achieve these objectives. With CAA as the preeminent international leadership organization in the visual arts, promoting these arts and their understanding, we will have the opportunity to perform an invaluable service to humanity.”
Omogbai, a certified public accountant, holds an MBA in finance and management consultancy from Rutgers University in New Jersey.