Sarah-

You are right- having both is the ideal. A good example of this is The
Phoenix Art Museum. They have co-directors, one with a stong background in
Business, the other in Art History.

I believe the answer to your question depends on the size and make up of
the remaining staff. Curatorial content specialists might be in place in
larger institutions while in smaller institutions the director might be
business manager/curator/exhibit designer/marketer! One would have to know
the museum's situation and mission before deciding which emphasis is more
needed in a director.

Sandra L. Harris
Arizona State Capitol Museum