Professional Summary

Professional Overview

Jay Xu is the Director and CEO of the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, CA. He is a renowned expert in Chinese art and archaeology, with over two decades of experience in the field.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As the Director and CEO of the Asian Art Museum since 2008, Jay Xu is responsible for leading the institution's strategic vision, overseeing its operations, and driving its mission to promote understanding and appreciation of Asian art and culture. Under his leadership, the museum has expanded its collection, organized groundbreaking exhibitions, and increased its community engagement efforts.

Career Progression

Prior to his current role, Jay Xu held several prestigious positions in the field of Asian art. He served as the Pritzker Chairman of the Department of Asian and Ancient Art at The Art Institute of Chicago, where he oversaw the expansion and development of the museum's Asian art collection. Before that, he was the Pritzker Curator of Asian Art at the same institution, leading the acquisition and curation of important Asian art pieces.

Earlier in his career, Jay Xu held curatorial positions at the Seattle Art Museum, where he was the Foster Foundation Curator and Associate Curator of Chinese Art. He also served as a Predoctoral Fellow in the Department of Asian Art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Academic Background

Jay Xu holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chinese Art and Archaeology from Princeton University, where he specialized in the field and conducted extensive research.

Areas of Expertise

Jay Xu is a recognized expert in Chinese art and archaeology, with a deep understanding of the historical, cultural, and artistic contexts of Asian art. He has extensive experience in collection management, exhibition curation, and art conservation. Additionally, he is skilled in strategic planning, institutional leadership, and community engagement.

Professional Impact

During his tenure at the Asian Art Museum, Jay Xu has overseen the acquisition of numerous significant art pieces, expanded the museum's educational programs, and forged partnerships with cultural institutions in Asia and around the world. Under his leadership, the museum has become a leading center for the study and appreciation of Asian art, contributing to the field's scholarship and public understanding.

Conclusion

With his exceptional expertise, visionary leadership, and commitment to promoting the understanding of Asian art and culture, Jay Xu has made significant contributions to the field. As the Director and CEO of the Asian Art Museum, he continues to guide the institution's growth and solidify its status as a premier destination for the study and appreciation of Asian art.