Nov

Konrad Ng leaves Smithsonian for Shangri La

Coming? Going? Let your colleagues know! Submit items to torch@si.edu and put “On the Move” in the subject line. Be sure to include contact information and a picture as an attachment. We love pictures!

Konrad Ng, Director of the Asian Pacific American Center since 2011, will be leaving the Smithsonian to take up the position of Executive Director at the Shangri La Center for Islamic Arts and Cultures, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Konrad Ng, director of the Asian Pacific American Program

During his tenure, Ng revitalized the center’s mission and developed innovative ways to further the understanding of Asian Pacific American history, art and culture throughout the Smithsonian and across the country. He established the center’s strong advisory board, enlarged its financial support, built partnerships, and developed its strategic plan.

Ng established the Smithsonian and APAC’s first curatorial positions in Asian Pacific American Studies and in digital and emerging media. Under his watch, APAC opened several outstanding exhibitions, including “Portraiture Now! Asian American Portraits of Encounter” (in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery), “I Want the Wide American Earth: An Asian Pacific American Story,” and “Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation” (both are now traveling the country through SITES).

Konrad’s last day at the Smithsonian will be Dec. 25. Jeanny Kim, APAC’s Chief Advancement Officer, has agreed to serve as Acting Director of the center while we conduct a nationwide search for Konrad’s replacement.