AAC Appoints Michael Hurst as Director of Exhibitions

Art Academy of Cincinnati (AAC) is pleased to announce that Michael Hurst has been appointed Director of Exhibitions. In this role, Hurst will lead AAC’s exhibition program across campus and beyond, guiding shows from concept development through installation while supporting exhibition openings, public programs, and community engagement initiatives.

A museum professional and practicing artist with 20 years of experience, Hurst has dedicated his career to producing high-quality, inclusive opportunities for artists and audiences. An AAC alum, he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting in 2002 before receiving his Master of Fine Arts degree from Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in 2007.

Throughout his career, Hurst has installed artwork in prominent institutions and collections, including the Smithsonian, national collections housed in foreign embassies, private collections, and city museums. Most recently, he built and led the museum program at 21c Museum Hotel in Cincinnati, where he directed exhibition planning, logistics, artist support, and installations for 13 years, expanding access to contemporary art through innovative and community-centered programming.

As Director of Exhibitions, Hurst will oversee AAC’s exhibitions and gallery operations, strengthening and advancing programming across the Academy’s three gallery spaces and SITE1212, AAC’s contemporary event/project space dedicated to presenting innovative work by emerging and established artists. The position plays a vital role in shaping AAC’s public presence and mission by connecting students, faculty, visiting artists, alumni, and the broader Cincinnati community through engaging exhibitions and programs.

“Michael’s expertise in curatorial practice, art preparation, and museum operations will be instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of our exhibition program,” said Sarah Stolar, Executive Director of Academic Affairs & Academic Dean. “We are thrilled to welcome him to this leadership role as we continue to elevate the work of our students, faculty, alumni, and artists across the country.”

For more information about upcoming exhibitions and programming at the Art Academy of Cincinnati, visit https://www.artacademy.edu/exhibitions/