press release

Toshiko Takaezu Foundation Announces Justin D. Brancato as Inaugural Executive Director

December 12, 2024 – The Toshiko Takaezu Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Justin D. Brancato as its inaugural Executive Director. Brancato, who has served as the Deputy Director and Director of Archives at the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation since 2010, began his tenure with the Toshiko Takaezu Foundation on November 1st. 

“Toshiko Takazeu is a master artist, known for her innovative experiments with glazes, textures, and sounds. She is a pillar in the ceramics community and mentored artists who have gone on to achieve significant accolades in the field. Leading the foundation dedicated to celebrating and fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Toshiko’s work is a tremendous honor. Our goal is to promote her legacy not only among the next generation of ceramists but across all artistic disciplines, extending her influence to those who remain unaware of the rare talent and pure force that is Toshiko Takaezu. Toshiko was a world-class artist and educator, and it is vital that her contributions are recognized and celebrated,” Brancato stated. 

Brancato’s career at the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation followed his roles at the Smithsonian Institution’s Archives of American Art and the Arman Studio. During his tenure at the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation, he spearheaded critical initiatives, including the processing and digitization of a 500-linear-foot archive, collaborating on the publication of a Catalogue Raisonné of the artist’s work, and working with colleagues to establish prominent art collections and projects with institutions such as the Whitney Museum of American Art, Ohio State University, Getty Research Institute, the Centre Pompidou, and the Aspen Institute, among others. While assuming his new role at the Toshiko Takaezu Foundation, Brancato will remain with the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation.

“Through his extensive planning proposals, meticulous presentation and thoughtful implementation of protocols and strategies, Justin has shown rare talent and notable ability,” said Jack Cowart, Executive Director of the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation. “Justin has much to offer the artist-endowed foundation field as a confident, emerging leader.” 

“The Takaezu Foundation is excited to advance Takaezu’s legacy with Brancato as its inaugural Executive Director,” said Darlene Fukuji, President of the Board and grandniece of Takaezu. “We are confident that under his leadership, the foundation will thrive and continue to honor Takaezu’s remarkable contributions to the arts.” 

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