Image: John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
Steven High, executive director of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, is retiring after 15 years at the helm of one of the largest university-based museum complexes in the United States. Florida State University announced the move in early June, saying High will remain in the position until a successor is identified.
The retirement marks a leadership transition at an institution that FSU describes as Florida’s State Art Museum and a major cultural and academic resource in Sarasota. The Ringling, governed by Florida State University since 2000, encompasses 66 bayfront acres and nearly 500,000 square feet of facilities, including the Museum of Art, Tibbals Learning Center, Circus Museum, Ca’ d’Zan mansion, Historic Asolo Theater and research, conservation and education spaces. It welcomes more than 400,000 visitors annually.
According to FSU, High has served as executive director since 2011 and oversaw a period of significant growth in collections, educational programming, attendance, fundraising and campus expansion. The museum more than doubled its collections during his tenure, while also enhancing exhibition programming and educational offerings. High also oversaw major additions and restorations across the campus, including the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Center for Asian Art, the Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion and the Turrell Skyspace Joseph’s Coat.
The institution’s public-facing role expanded alongside its physical growth. FSU said High increased educational outreach, accessibility initiatives and multidisciplinary programming, including the Art of Performance series. The museum also completed a $100 million comprehensive campaign in 2019. During High’s leadership, the annual operating budget rose from $12 million to $28 million, and the endowment grew from $27 million to $67 million, according to the university.
High said in the FSU announcement that serving as executive director of The Ringling was the highlight of his career and credited the museum’s growth to staff, the foundation board, university leadership and community supporters. FSU Provost Jim Clark said High strengthened the museum’s role as both a world-class institution and an important part of the university’s academic mission. Meg Hausberg, chair of the Ringling Museum of Art Foundation Board, said High’s leadership elevated the museum’s national and international reputation while deepening its ties to the university and the Sarasota-Manatee community.
The transition comes as The Ringling continues to highlight both its historic collections and a busy program of exhibitions and events. Its current offerings include Andrea Carlson: A Constant Sky, described by the museum as the first museum survey of the mixed-media artist; Canvas City: The Materials of the Tented Circus; and a long-term installation of 17th-century Dutch paintings on loan from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. The museum’s July programming also includes family events, conservator conversations and guided tours.
FSU and The Ringling Museum of Art Foundation have hired Isaacson, Miller, a national search firm, to help identify High’s successor. For the museum and for the wider arts sector, the departure closes a chapter defined by expansion, fundraising and new programming at an institution that has become a significant bridge between university teaching, public access and museum stewardship.
