LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dr. Janne Siren upon the occasion of his
appointment as the Executive Director of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery
in Buffalo, New York

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality of
life of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched by its
exceptional cultural, educational and recreational institutions; and
WHEREAS, It is also the sense of this Legislative Body that insti-
tutions and individuals that give positive definition to the profile and
disposition of the communities of the State of New York profoundly
strengthen our society with their commitment; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr.
Janne Siren upon the occasion of his appointment as the Executive Direc-
tor of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Albright-Knox Art Gallery was founded in Buffalo in 1862;
it possesses a 150-year record of collecting, conserving, and exhibiting
the art of its time and has one of the world's finest collections of
contemporary and modern art; and
WHEREAS, Internationally recognized as one of the leading museums in
the United States, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery continues to add
cutting-edge works to its collections and annually presents a program
comprised of exceptional exhibitions, publications, and collaborations;
in the Buffalo Niagara region, the museum is a cultural beacon and
magnet for cultural tourism; and
WHEREAS, The parent organization of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery is
the Buffalo Fine Arts Academy, founded in 1862; it is one of the oldest
public arts institutions in the United States; and
WHEREAS, In January 2013, the Board of Directors of the Albright-Knox
Art Gallery in Buffalo, New York, announced its unanimous selection of
Dr. Janne Siren as the eleventh Executive Director of the Gallery; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Janne Siren is currently director of Finland's Helsinki
Art Museum, one of the largest cultural institutions in the Nordic
region; he is the first director from the Nordic region to take the helm
of a major American art museum; and
WHEREAS, An impressive scholar and visionary administrator who is able
to embrace and connect local, national, and global stages in a relevant
and viable way, Dr. Janne Siren brings extensive experience and know-
ledge to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in all areas of programming and
also a passion for the Gallery's growth and development; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Dr. Janne Siren is an extraordinary leader, who
shares the vision for the active role of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery
in the growth and vitality of the community; he has a wealth of experi-
ence in promoting economic development and growth through cultural tour-
ism, which is a high priority for the Gallery and the Buffalo Niagara
region; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Janne Siren earned his undergraduate degree in art histo-
ry from the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts; he holds
master's and doctoral degrees from the Institute of Fine Arts at New
York University; and
WHEREAS, Believing passionately that the arts and the twenty-first-
century museum can be active participants in a vibrant community and its
robust growth, Dr. Janne Siren will assume his position as Executive

Director of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in late spring or early
summer; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when an indi-
vidual of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our atten-
tion, he should be recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire
State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Janne Siren upon the occasion of his appointment as the Execu-
tive Director of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, New York; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Janne Siren.