CINCINNATI, May 1, 2007 -- Raphaela Platow has been named Alice & Harris Weston Director and Chief Curator at the Contemporary Arts Center in the Lois & Richard Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art following an international search, according to Otto M. Budig, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Trustees. She will assume the post as Director and Chief Curator July 1.

Platow is an internationally respected art curator and art historian. A native of Munich, she joins the CAC from the Rose Art Museum in Massachusetts, where she is currently Chief Curator and also has served as Acting Director. Prior to the Rose, she was the International Curator with the Contemporary Art Museum in Raleigh, North Carolina, was a staff member of the German pavilion at the 1999 Venice Biennale and worked in several galleries, project spaces and has written extensively about contemporary art.

"We are fortunate to have such a gifted professional in contemporary arts agree to lead our Center," Mr. Budig says. "Her knowledge and international relationships will greatly enhance the Contemporary Arts Center."

"I am excited about the incredible opportunity to newly envision and define what a center of contemporary art can be in a city that has avidly supported innovative and provocative contemporary expression for almost 70 years," Platow says. "It is important to keep in mind the history of the CAC and its roots as the Modern Art Society, while rearticulating its mission for the future."

Vision for Emerging Artists and Their Work
"Raphaela has demonstrated a gift for recognizing emerging artists," says Richard H. Rosenthal, who chaired the search committee. "She is an extraordinarily qualified candidate and has the vision to fill the CAC with compelling, challenging and culturally relevant art."

Platow's appointment is made at the recommendation of a search committee comprised of CAC trustees with the guidance of executive search firm Phillips Oppenheim. Staff also provided input into the process and selection.

"The CAC can become one of the most important, non-collecting, public centers for contemporary art between the coasts," Platow says. "It has the potential to continuously confirm the role of art and the creative process in an urban center. I believe the CAC also can contribute to the creative and intellectual life of the Cincinnati community, and energize and be energized by its cultural infrastructure.

The CAC is housed in a marvelous new building with an open lobby creating the opportunity to truly become the public plaza the architect envisioned: an open, hospitable, social space where people with diverse backgrounds can come together to connect, dialogue, imagine and be inspired.

"I envision a pulsating, welcoming place with excellent exhibitions, visiting international artists, music, dj's, performances, dance, lectures, symposia, family programs, gallery talks, readings, other special events," she continues. "In other words, a hive of activity that is both challenging and enjoyable. The CAC must also participate in larger public responsibilities that support and help build the community."

Goodman Recognized for Contributions as Interim Director
For the past eight months, Cynthia Goodman, Ph.D. served as the CAC's Interim Director, handling both management and curatorial assignments, including developing much of the 2008 season. It was the second time she has served as interim director at the CAC; the first was in the 1990s.

"The CAC is fortunate to have had the benefit of her strong arts and management expertise not only as a valued board member, but as interim director. The board, staff and CAC members extend their deepest gratitude to Cynthia for all of her contributions," Budig says.

About Raphaela Platow
Raphaela Platow is recognized as one of the rising stars in the field of contemporary arts management. Raphaela received an MA in art history and business administration at Humboldt University in Berlin. After curating and organizing exhibitions at galleries and museums in Germany, she was a staff member of the German Pavilion at the 1999 Venice Biennale. She came to the United States to serve as International Curator for the Contemporary Art Museum in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she was involved in curating exhibitions, public art projects, and educational programming as well as executive administration, including the capital fundraising and architectural redevelopment of CAM's expanded facilities. After three years at CAM, Platow was appointed Curator at the renowned Rose Art Museum in Waltham, Massachusetts. After three years, she served as Acting Director of the Museum before being appointed Chief Curator. She brings to our Contemporary Arts Center an international perspective, a strong vision and proven experience in contemporary arts.

About the Contemporary Arts Center
Founded in 1939 as the Modern Art Society by three visionary women in Cincinnati, Contemporary Arts Center was one of the first institutions in the U.S. dedicated to exhibiting the art of our time. In May 2003, the Center relocated to its first free-standing home, the Lois & Richard Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art, designed by Zaha Hadid. Throughout its distinguished 68-year history, the Center has earned a reputation for stimulating thought and introducing new ideas by presenting the work of diverse artists from around the world, including hundreds of now-famous artists such as Laurie Anderson, Jasper Johns, Louise Nevelson, Nam June Paik, I.M. Pei, Robert Rauschenberg, Kara Walker and Andy Warhol. CAC focuses on new developments in painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, performance art and new media, presenting 8 to 12 exhibitions and 20 to 40 performances annually.

Hours
Monday: 10 am-9 pm (5 pm-9 pm free admission)
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday - Friday: 10 am-6 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 11 am-6 pm

Admission
Adults $7.50; Seniors (65+) $6.50; Students w/ID $5.50; Children (3-13) $4.50
Members and Children under 3 free. Annual memberships start at $45.
The CAC receives ongoing support from the Fine Arts Fund, Ohio Arts Council, City of Cincinnati and AllOver Media.

2006-2007 Fine Arts Fund Partners:
Procter & Gamble, GE Aircraft Engines, Fifth Third Bank, Macy's Inc./MCCS, Cinergy Corp., Convergys Corporation, U.S. Bank, The Kroger Company, Western & Southern Financial Group, American Financial Group and Related Entities, Cincinnati Bell, E.W. Scripps, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Cincinnati Financial Corp.