Introducing Chelsea Farrar as Director of UAMA

The University of Arizona Museum of Art could not be more pleased to announce that Chelsea Farrar, our long-serving Curator of Community Engagement and Interim Director for the past four months, has accepted the permanent Director appointment effective February 16, 2026.

Chelsea is an accomplished arts leader whose extensive experience, institutional knowledge, and deep ties to both the university and broader community make her exceptionally well suited for this role. Chelsea, a proud alum of the University of Arizona School of Art, brings a clear understanding of UAMA’s significance as a resource for interdisciplinary teaching, student engagement and research. Her background will further strengthen the connections between the museum and the School of Art.

During her four-month tenure as Interim Director, Chelsea demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision. She successfully secured multiple gifts totaling over $500,000 in new philanthropic support for UAMA. Her ability to build authentic, clear and caring relationships with donors shows her operational fluency and readiness to guide the museum at scale.

Under Chelsea’s direction, UAMA reopened to the public after an extensive HVAC upgrade with a transformative policy change: free admission for all. This new approach reinforces the museum’s commitment to accessibility and public service. While campus visitors have long enjoyed free entry, extending this privilege to the wider community removes financial barriers and ensures that UAMA can inspire, educate and connect people from diverse backgrounds. This shift strengthens our role in the vibrant cultural landscape of Tucson and Southern Arizona, aligning closely with the university’s land-grant mission.

Chelsea’s leadership is characterized by integrity, collaboration and a genuine care for people. She has earned the full endorsement of the UAMA staff and has fostered trust across teams through mentorship, accountability and a thoughtful, steady approach to decision-making. Her clear vision for UAMA’s future builds upon existing strengths, positioning the museum for long-term growth and impact.

"I am truly honored to step into the role of Director at UAMA, a place that has been my home for the past ten years in academic and community engagement," Chelsea shares. "I am excited to continue fostering connections through art and to explore new opportunities for growth, innovation and creative belonging."

Please join us in congratulating Chelsea on her permanent appointment. We look forward to the continued success of UAMA under her inspiring leadership!