Jewish Museum director steps down

Quit: Chief Executive Abigail Morris

V JEWISH MUSEUM chief executive and director Abigail Morris is stepping down after eight years, as the institution announced on Tuesday it would “review its business model and plan for a new direction”.

It comes as the museum withdraws from Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), which it joined in 2017.

The NPO has been giving the museum £220,000 a year in grant money, which had been due to continue until 2022 but is now likely to be withdrawn once the museum can show it has a sustainable business model.

The Arts Council said it was also “awarding an additional £100,000 to support the museum in the review of its business model and to examine the future possible options”.

The museum said it would continue to be supported by National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Arts Council — under whose auspices it will remain.

The museum added that withdrawing from the NPO would give it “the opportunity to explore a new, sustainable business model without the funding requirements set out by the portfolio”.

Ms Morris joined the museum in 2012.

The museum said it would work with the Arts Council to recruit an interim chief executive. Abi Shapiro, the museum’s chief operating officer and Sam Clifford, director of development, will step in as interim co-directors.

Joyce Wilson, London area director for Arts Council England, said: “We have agreed this exceptional course of action because of the organisation’s strategic significance nationally and its important work with the museum sector, locals and the Jewish community.”

Ms Morris said: “It has been a dream to head up the Jewish Museum and to work with so many talented and supportive people.

“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together over the last eight years. We have transformed the museum and have become recognised for our outstanding, awardwinning exhibitions and education programmes. I wish the museum continued success.”

Grant money will end once the museum comes up with a new business model