Lisa Phillips
TOBY DEVAN LEWIS DIRECTOR, THE NEW MUSEUM
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Driven and curious, tenacious, and sensitive with a strong sense of adventure. I grew up in a household where intellectual curiosity and conversation were a priority. We were surrounded by books and writers. My mom was an author and teacher, and my dad a journalist and publisher. We had conversations at the dinner table about literature, history, and politics.
“Until quite recently, our field was a boys’ club. I’m happy to see that changing and to have been a part of that change, carrying forth the founding ethos of the New Museum.”
NAME AN INFLUENCE OF YOURS THAT MIGHT SURPRISE PEOPLE.
The Girl Scouts were such an important influence and fostered self-reliance and teamwork among women. Nancy Drew broke rules to solve mysteries for the greater good, and that was an early obsession. I also surround myself with strong people and am constantly influenced by their views.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS YOUR BIGGEST CONTRIBUTION TO CULTURE?
Advocating for women, women artists, and women in our field—for pay equity, for representation, for being seen and empowered. Until quite recently, our field was a boys’ club. I’m happy to see that changing and to have been a part of that change, carrying forth the founding ethos of the New Museum.
in your life?
