As we navigate a world marked by humanitarian and climate crises, societal divides, and economic uncertainties, the role of art institutions is more critical than ever. Yet to truly matter, museums and galleries have to evolve beyond their traditional practices, embracing more inclusive, adaptive approaches to engage audiences as creative participants in addressing the urgent issues of our times. This panel brings together distinguished cultural innovators to explore how these spaces can transform into dynamic hubs where diverse and unexpected communities converge and meaningful exchanges unfold. Join us for a bold conversation about reimagining art institutions as vital forces for change in our rapidly transforming society.

Tom Finkelpearl, previously Commissioner of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and Executive Director of the Queens Museum, is currently a consultant for the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Kate Fowle, former director of MoMA PS1 and Chief Curator of the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art in Moscow, is currently Curatorial Senior Director at Hauser & Wirth, New York. Chrissie Iles is the Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Curator at the Whitney Museum of American Art, specializing in contemporary art, film, and video. She recently co-curated the Whitney Biennial. Christina Yang is an independent curator who has held curatorial roles at the Berkeley Art Museum + Pacific Film Archive, Williams College Museum of Art, The Kitchen, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Queens Museum. Kate, Chrissie, and Christina are all faculty member of MA Curatorial Practice. Işın Önol is Director of Curatorial Research in the MA Curatorial Practice program.

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