The blooloop 50 Museum Influencer List 2024

Catherine Pégard began her position as chief of cultural development at Afalula, the French government organisation working on the AlUla project in Saudi Arabia, in October 2024. As the former president of the Palace of Versailles, where she revitalised and broadened the cultural reach of this famous French landmark, Pégard brings a wealth of expertise to the role. This experience makes her a key asset forAlUla, which seeks to increase its cultural and heritage value globally.

With a budget of $15 billion, the AlUla project is a bold endeavour to create the world's largest "living museum." This entails creating five unique neighbourhoods, several cultural centres, historical landmarks, and opulent lodgings, all supported by a master plan centred on sustainability called the "Journey Through Time." With initiatives like the Kingdoms Institute and the Cultural Oasis taking centre stage, the plan strongly emphasises community development, environmental sustainability, and the preservation of the area's distinctive legacy.

Jean-Yves Le Drian, chairman of Afalula, said Catherine Pégard is “one of the most respected figures in heritage and culture in France.” He added: “Her remarkable tenure at the helm of the Château de Versailles, where she successfully increased the global influence of this iconic institution, will be a major asset in enhancingAlUla’s prominence beyond borders.

The AlUla project is located near Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra, which opened to the public for the first time in 2020. Upon completion in 2035, thedestinationwill include five unique districts, five heritage sites, 15 cultural venues and museums, 10 million square metres of green space, and 5,000 hotel rooms.

AlUla is just one of several giga-projects being created in Saudi Arabia, alongside other landmark endeavours like Qiddiya and Neom. The giga-projects are part of the Public Investment Fund’s (PIF)Vision 2030. This aims to diversify the economy and reduce the kingdom’s reliance on oil.

As director of museums at the City of Gothenburg in Sweden, Britta Söderqvist is responsible for a group of acclaimed museums that include the Gothenburg Museum of Art, Röhsska Museum of Design & Craft, Museum of Gothenburg and Maritime Museum & Aquarium, and Göteborgs Konsthall.

This is the largest local authority museum service in Sweden. Its collections are some of the largest in the country and range from archaeology to contemporary art.

In 2022, the Maritime Museum and Aquarium in Gothenburg reopened following an extensive refurbishment project which included the addition of one of the largest aquariums in Europe for living corals.

“Britta has long been a champion for community-led, coproduced museums and has carried the flag for audience-led interpretation in her museums,” says one person who nominated Söderqvist.  “In 2024 under her leadership, Gothenburg Museum and Aquarium was named Swedish Museum of the Year. Her leadership has ensured that Gothenburg Museums have become one of the leading city museum organisations in Europe.”

The Swedish Museums Association and the Swedish ICOM’s annual Museum of the Year award is presented to institutions that demonstrate innovative and community-based activities of the highest quality.

The Maritime Museum and Aquarium was honoured for its comprehensive and well-planned multi-year transformation project. Thisrebuilt the building, the content, and the entire museum experience to inspirevisitors to play an active role in the preservation of our history, oceans, and planet.

Söderqvist is chair of Kulturbryggan, a grant-giving body organised as part of the Swedish Arts Grants Committee which supports innovative and radical cultural projects, and has been elected to serve as vice chair of the Swedish Museums Association.

She is a lecturer, critic and advisor for universities and cultural organisations across Europe, and has been awarded master's degrees in both museum studies and political science from the University of Gothenburg.

Erin Dougherty is director of public engagement at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia. In her role, she oversees initiatives to enhance visitor experiences and broaden the museum's reach within the community. The position involves developing programs, events, and activities that make the museum's exhibitions and collections more accessible, engaging, and relevant to diverse audiences.

Public engagement is a key priority at the High Museum of Art, with efforts to create interactive and educational opportunities that connect visitors to the artworks on display. Dougherty has led the effort to transform and grow the museum's audience through innovative programming and made the museum the place to be on Friday nights in Atlanta. For example, the museum's High Frequency Fridays are easy to access and designed to create the desire to return. One of the collaborative strategies for this event is engaging DJs in the city to expand the High Museum of Art's reach.

Erin Dougherty is now working to expand the museum's programming to continue this growth in audience and revenue. The museum’s new Green Team has supported Friday night programs by implementing recyclable cups, allowing a focus on the environment. New Friday programs focused on well-being and mindfulness are now in place, and future expansion is planned to explore the arts and creativity of food and beverages, partnering with experts in the community.

"Other museums regularly reach out to Erin to learn about her practices," said one of the people who nominated her. "Colleagues want to know how she has created a place where people see themselves and are more interested in coming regularly and how this program has sold out for the last nine months in a row.

"Erin’s leadership, innovations, and creativity have made a difference. She is a true leader and deserving of recognition for her contributions."

Femke Bijlsma is a partner and content developer at Kossmanndejong, an Amsterdam-based design firm with a global portfolio, where she has played a pivotal role in creating immersive, narrative-driven spaces that engage and inspire visitors worldwide.

Bijlsma's work is distinguished by her ability to connect design with social goals. Her projects consistently reflect a deep understanding of how spaces can be used to tell powerful stories and foster meaningful connections among diverse audiences. This is evident in her work on the Museum of the Mind in Haarlem, where she and her team involved a wide range of visitors as a sounding board and testing panel. This inclusive approach ensured that the exhibition resonated with its audience and contributed to the museum’s mission of promoting a more inclusive society.

As a co-founder of the Refugee Company, Femke Bijlsma has created opportunities for refugees to engage with the creative industry, demonstrating her commitment to using design as a tool for empowerment and inclusion. Her involvement as chair of the Dutch Design Awards and her roles on the board of the Salwa Foundation and the Dutch Creative Industries Fund further highlight her dedication to advancing design as a force for positive change.

Femke is also a thought leader in exhibition design. She regularly gives lectures and workshops at universities and art schools, sharing her insights on creating engaging and transformative spaces.

Her recent projects, including the new permanent exhibition at Museum Sophiahof in The Hague, ’Our Colonial Heritage’ at the Tropenmuseum in Amsterdam, and the UAE Pavilion for the World Expo 2020 in Dubai, exemplify her ability to tackle complex and sensitive subjects through design. Her work on the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles and the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, Kossmanndejong’s first projects in the USA, marks a significant expansion of her influence on a global scale.

Jane Alexander is the Cleveland Museum of Art's chief digital information officer (CDIO). She joined the institution in 2010 and has been instrumental in leading various digital projects. As CDIO, her responsibilities include overseeing the museum's technology infrastructure, digital content strategy, and online presence. She aims to use technology to create immersive and accessible experiences for visitors while ensuring the museum's operations are streamlined and efficient.

One of Alexander's notable projects is the development of Gallery One, a groundbreaking interactive space launched in 2013 that integrates digital technology with the museum's collection. It features the ArtLens app, an interactive tool that allows visitors to explore the collection through augmented reality and touch-screen technology.

Under Alexander's leadership, the museum launched its Open Access initiative in 2019, making more than 30,000 images of artworks in the public domain freely available for download and use. This move aligns with the museum's mission to make art more accessible to a global audience and support education, research, and creative projects.

Speaking to blooloop in 2017 about her role, she said: “In an art museum, the art must be at the forefront, rather than thetechnology. However, the infrastructure must be in place to use technology interpretation that allows the art to shine. One of her first tasks at Cleveland was to look at all the databases and hardware needs across the museum and standardise this technology, from the conference rooms to the galleries.

One nominator said: "Jane Alexander is a visionary leader whose work has redefined how museums can use digital technology to engage and inspire visitors from all walks of life. Her innovative projects have set new benchmarks for accessibility, personalisation, and the use of emerging technologies in the museum sector. Jane’s influence continues to shape the future of how art is experienced and appreciated by diverse audiences worldwide."

Jamie Lawyer is chief experience officer at the Rubin Museum of Art in New York, a museum dedicated to the art and culture of the Himalayas, India, and neighbouring regions. She oversees the overall visitor experience at the museum, aiming to make it welcoming, engaging, and meaningful for a diverse range of audiences. Her responsibilities include enhancing visitor interactions with the museum’s exhibitions, programs, and collections and overseeing initiatives that prioritize accessibility and inclusivity.

Lawyer works to ensure that the Rubin Museum remains a place where art, culture, and personal transformation intersect. Her visitor-centered approach contributes to the Rubin Museum of Art’s reconceptualisation of the modern museum while remaining committed to ensuring that museums are spaces for everyone. Her belief that museums should transcend the confines of physical buildings and engage with diverse audiences has been transformative in shaping the way that other professionals think about cultural institutions.

Jamie Lawyer is a pioneer in designing visitor-centered experiences that resonate emotionally. Her innovative approach to museum design focuses on creating environments that do more than educate; they inspire, provoke thought, and stir emotions. Through exhibits like the Mandala Lab, her understanding that powerful experiences can shape and move minds has redefined how visitors interact with museums. Her work ensures that every exhibit, program, and initiative connects with visitors on a deeply personal level, making the museum experience more meaningful and impactful.

One nominator added: "Jamie’s ethos of care extends to the museum staff who work with her, consultants who collaborate with her, and artists who create work in cultural spaces. She is a champion for the various people who contribute to our cultural spaces, and her commitment to care is palpable in the final audience experience.

"In a rapidly changing museum landscape, Jamie is a visionary leader who can see the true potential of museums."

Nick Appelbaum is the president of Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA),a multidisciplinary firmspecialising in the planning and designing of museums, exhibits, educational environments and visitor attractions. RAA is recognised for creating compelling experiences that blend architecture, storytelling, and technology. It has designed numerous high-profile museums, visitor centres, and cultural institutions worldwide.

As president, Appelbaum continues the firm's legacy, established by his father, Ralph Appelbaum, who founded the company in 1978. Under his leadership, RAA focuses on creating meaningful, educational, and engaging experiences for the public, often working on projects involving history, science, culture, and the arts.

The firm's projects have included institutions like the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the American Museum of Natural History, and many others. Appelbaum's role involves overseeing the creative and strategic direction of the firm, ensuring the quality and impact of its designs, and fostering innovation within the team.

At the NEXTIN Summit in Madrid in 2024, he spoke about the importance of story and its position at the heart of successful museums: “Narrative museumsprovide a special type of learning," he said, adding: “There’s a beautiful alchemy that public spaces foster, which gives them a unique currency in society...The most powerful tool we have to dazzle and inspire isnarrative design.”

One nominator said: "Nick grew up inside the practice and later, just after university, joined it; he is now the president and is guiding it into the middle decades of the 21st Century with curiosity, passion, and creativity.

"Nick understands both the mechanics and philosophical intent of cultural projects and has a special interest in pioneering new approaches to learning in public. He is a thoughtful and considerate leader who supports the growth and development of the entire global interdisciplinary team."

Marquise Stillwell is the founder and principal of Openbox, a New York-based design and innovation consultancy, and the founder of Deem Journal, a publication focused on exploring design as a social practice.

Stillwell's career as a designer and community builder is defined by a deep curiosity about how people interact with their environments and the systems that shape their experiences. This has been the driving force behind his two-decade-long career, during which he has focused on creating inclusive spaces that foster community engagement and enhance the human experience.

As the founder of Openbox, Marquise Stillwell has led numerous museum exhibition projects that prioritise the voices of local communities. His work ensures that exhibitions are visually compelling and deeply resonate with the communities they serve, making museums more accessible and inclusive.

One of his most significant contributions to the field is his ability to integrate community outreach into the core of museum projects. By actively engaging with residents, stakeholders, and cultural groups, Marquise Stillwell ensures that his exhibitions reflect the unique needs, histories, and aspirations of the communities they represent. This approach enriches the exhibitions' content and fosters a sense of ownership and pride among community members.

His commitment to community-centred design is further exemplified through his co-founding Deem Journal. Through this platform, he continues to explore how museums and cultural institutions can serve as powerful tools for social change by embracing inclusivity and fostering connections between people and their environments.

"Marquise’s contributions to museum exhibition projects, particularly his focus on community outreach and engagement, have made a lasting impact on the field," said one nominator. "His work exemplifies how museums can serve as platforms for social change by embracing inclusivity and fostering meaningful connections between people and their environments.

"Marquise’s influence continues to shape the future of museum design, making him a true leader and innovator."

Shirin Frangoul-Brückner is the managing director and founding partner of ATELIER BRÜCKNER, a renowned design firm based in Stuttgart, Germany. Founded in 1997, ATELIER BRÜCKNER specialises in creating immersive exhibitions, museum designs, scenography, and brand environments that offer unique and engaging storytelling experiences. The firm is known for its interdisciplinary approach, combining architecture, design, art, and multimedia to create spaces that convey complex content in visually compelling ways.

Shirin Frangoul-Brückner has been a driving force behind the company's creative vision and strategic development. Under her leadership, ATELIER BRÜCKNER has gained international recognition for its innovative projects, which include museums, science centres, corporate exhibitions, and cultural institutions worldwide. The firm is noted for creating environments that not only present information but also evoke emotions and invite interaction, making learning and engagement more dynamic.

Her background is in architecture, and she has consistently applied this expertise to designing spaces that blend form and function with narrative-driven design. Her approach often emphasizes storytelling through spatial design, where architecture and scenography are integrated to enhance the visitor experience. Through her work at ATELIER BRÜCKNER, she has contributed significantly to the evolution of exhibition design and scenography, setting new standards for how cultural content is presented in physical spaces.

Frangoul-Brückner's contributions to the field have made her a respected figure in museum and exhibition design. She continues to influence contemporary practices and inspire new approaches to cultural and educational spaces. In 2024, she was announced as one of the 2024 Class of SEGD Fellows.

One nominator said: "Shirin’s leadership and strategic vision have not only elevated her own practice but have had a lasting impact on the field of exhibition design. Her innovative approach, leadership and unwavering commitment to creating sustainable, culturally diverse spaces that engage and inspire visitors exemplify the qualities of a true industry trailblazer."

Vincent Roirand is CEO of Mazedia, a digital agency specialising in the cultural sector, designing innovative, captivating and powerful digital experiences. One nominator said Roirand is “a visionary leaderwhose pioneering work in the digital transformation of the cultural sector has profoundly impacted the museum world”.

Roirand founded Mazedia in 1994, establishing an agency that has become known for its innovation and excellence in digital solutions for museums, heritage sites, and tourism. Under his leadership, the company has played a pivotal role in guiding museums through the digital age, enhancing their ability to engage with audiences in new and meaningful ways.

“From the outset, Vincent demonstrated an exceptional commitment to leveraging digital technology to enrich the museum experience. He recognized the potential of digital tools to transform the way museums communicate with their audiences, making cultural content more accessible, interactive, and engaging. His visionary approach has not only benefited individual institutions but has also set new standards for the entire sector,” the nominator said.

Roirand’s pursuit of innovation has led to the creation of cutting-edge solutions that have redefined how museums operate. Through Mazedia, he has introduced groundbreaking projects using augmented reality, virtual reality, and interactive displays, providing visitors with immersive experiences that bring history and art to life.

In addition to working with regional institutions, Roirand has collaborated with museums like the Louvre, the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle de Paris, and Notre-Dame de Paris. By working with smaller organisations, he has made digital transformation accessible to all museums.

Under his leadership, Mazedia has won many awards and led successful projects across Europe, at destinations including the National Museum in Oslo, and Puy du Fou España. This international expansion resulted in the launch of Wezit, Mazedia’s Berlin-based subsidiary, in 2022.

“Roirand’s career is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the digital advancement of the museum sector. His innovative spirit, coupled with his ability to foster meaningful collaborations, has positioned Mazedia as a leader in the field,” the nominator added.