New Moderna chief: “Culture is preparedness”

Tone Hansen has been Moderna Museet’s new director and superintendent for only three days, but she has already begun navigating an institution undergoing major change. She occasionally opens the wrong door, she says, although she has learned how the coffee machines work.

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Culture is preparedness

Hansen, who previously led Norway’s Munch Museum, says she will spend most of her time in Stockholm and Malmö, while also traveling to other Swedish cities because the museum’s mandate is broad. Her appointment comes after Moderna Museet assumed responsibility at the start of the year for ArkDes and the National Public Art Council, formerly separate government agencies.

The reorganization faced criticism from large parts of the cultural sector. Hansen says that criticism has eased somewhat and that she sees an opportunity to build a stronger organization. “In a time when we need to defend the role and position of art and culture, we need one another,” she says.

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Moderna Museet has a long tradition of radical education and pushing boundaries

She is also entering an organization affected by reports of workplace problems. Hansen says her most important task is to create a safe and stable structure for employees, artists and visitors. She cautions that it is too early for her to assess the workplace culture, given that she has been in the job for only three days, but says staff welcomed her with openness, curiosity and a desire to create something new.

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In a time when we need to defend the role and position of art and culture, we need one another

Hansen acknowledges that change can hurt and says she must change herself as well. She is learning a new language and culture, including the small signals she may not yet recognize. Her plans include stronger communication, digital experiments and a new museum entrance. “Moderna Museet has a long tradition of radical education and pushing boundaries,” she says.

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Change always hurts a little