WWW.SHAKER.LIFE | SPRING 2022 53
“It seemed like that would be a
very forward-thinking way to approach
things. My colleagues co-presidents
Audra Jones and Stephen Sokany and
I bring different strengths and different
life experiences, and that’s really
beneficial,” Cohen says.
With the help of defined areas of
responsibility and a lot of Google Docs,
the new arrangement is working well.
In keeping with the collaborative
nature of its shared leadership model,
moCa also strives to maintain open
dialogue about how to continuously
adapt and ensure that the museum
is equitably serving the people of
Cleveland and beyond.
“We’re becoming more expansive
and thinking about those different
voices and how they can all contribute
– it makes for a more robust and
interesting experience,” says Cohen.
“You have to lead by example, but
yet really listen to your constituents,
whoever they might be.”
Staying current and connected is particularly important for a contemporary
art museum, says Cohen, because by definition, contemporary art – generally,
art since 1960 that deals with current issues and thought – speaks to the times in
which we live and the things on the mind of audiences.
“Contemporary artists really have their fingers on the pulse,” she says. “The
artists are the first ones to respond to all those different challenges that we all face,
the matters and concerns that are at the forefront of day-to-day existence.”
This means connecting with the Northeast Ohio community, too – which
is aided by the interconnectedness of the arts in the city. Amber Ford, a local
resident and artist, is moCa’s newest artist-in-residence. She has previously
exhibited at FRONT International, with which moCa is a partner organization
– and for which Cohen also serves on the board. This interconnectedness is an
aid to those interested in the arts in Cleveland, says Cohen, unlike some other
cities. Here, it’s easier to meet leaders and artists, and the city is full of wonderful
cultural gems, she says.
Proximity to University Circle and its cultural institutions is one of the reasons
Cohen loves living in Shaker Heights, where she and her husband Morris have
lived for over 20 years and where they raised their two Shaker Schools-educated
sons. She also relishes being able to take the short drive downtown to take
advantage of all the city has to offer.
“At the same time, I love to be able to go out the door on my bike and bike
around the Shaker Lakes,” she says. “I mean, we’re pretty lucky, right?” SL
Artwork: Joyce Morrow Jones’
“Black Butterfly,” Terry Joshua’s
“The Pinkest Hue,” and Stina Aleah’s
“Helping Hands.”
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