Full Breakdown
Departure of Chief Curator Pilar Tompkins Rivas from Lucas Museum
12/5/2025, 10:48:22 AM
Key Details of Rivas' Departure
Pilar Tompkins Rivas, the chief curator and deputy director of curatorial and collections at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, is leaving her position just weeks after the museum announced its opening date of September 22, 2026. Interim Chief Executive Jim Gianopulos communicated this decision in an email, stating that there are no immediate plans to fill her role. George Lucas will continue to oversee the museum's curatorial content and direction. The museum expressed gratitude for Rivas' contributions over the past five years, emphasizing her instrumental role in preparing for the museum's opening.
Background of Leadership Changes
Rivas' departure follows the resignation of former museum director and CEO Sandra Jackson-Dumont, who stepped down nine months prior. The museum attributed Jackson-Dumont's exit to a "new organizational design" that divided her role into two positions. Gianopulos, previously the chairman and CEO of 20th Century Fox and Paramount Pictures, has taken on the CEO role until a permanent replacement is appointed. Following these leadership changes, the museum also laid off 15 full-time employees, representing 14% of its staff, alongside additional part-time job losses. Employees described the layoffs as shocking and chaotic.
Rivas' Professional Background
Pilar Tompkins Rivas has a notable history in the art community, previously serving as the director and chief curator at the Vincent Price Art Museum at East Los Angeles College. Her experience also includes roles at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Santa Monica’s 18th Street Arts Center, the UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center, and the Claremont Museum of Art. Rivas is recognized for her strong connections to Los Angeles and its diverse communities.
Criticism and Concerns
The leadership transitions at the Lucas Museum have raised concerns regarding diversity and representation within the organization. In 2020, the museum was praised for appointing six women, five of whom were women of color, to leadership roles. However, with Rivas' exit, only two of those women remain in their positions. Critics have pointed out that these changes may undermine the museum's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, which were emphasized by Jackson-Dumont during her tenure.
Official Statements
The Lucas Museum issued a statement thanking Rivas for her hard work and wishing her well in her future endeavors. Gianopulos noted that George Lucas will maintain oversight of curatorial content, indicating a continued focus on the museum's artistic direction.
Verbatim Quotes
“We thank Pilar Tompkins Rivas for her hard work over the last five years, which has been instrumental in preparing the museum for its opening. We wish her well in her future endeavors.” — Lucas Museum Statement
“I’m an advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, that’s a huge part of who I am,” — Sandra Jackson-Dumont, former museum director
What's Next
As the Lucas Museum prepares for its opening, the leadership structure and staffing decisions will be closely monitored by stakeholders and the public, particularly regarding the museum's commitment to diversity and community engagement.
