Art Galleries at Black Studies (AGBS) is thrilled to announce the second symposium in its multi-year program, Why Black Museums. This annual series aims to honour and examine the cultural contributions of Black and ethnically specific museums while delving into the innovative ways these institutions shape museum spaces.
Event Details
The symposium, titled “Why Black Museums: Exhibitions and Relations,” is scheduled for Thursday, March 7, 2024. It will delve into the connections between past and present exhibitions of Black art and historical objects, exploring how Black individuals and communities have shaped museum practices through collecting, preserving, and exhibiting art and artefacts.
Morning Roundtable: Preserving Black History in Central Texas
The morning session will feature a roundtable discussion with historians and curators based in Austin, Texas. Carre Adams of the George Washington Carver Museum, Ulili Emore from The University of Texas, and Dr. Jacqueline Smith-Francis of the Austin History Center will share insights into their work preserving and interpreting Black history in central Texas. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Gaila Sims, Curator of African American History at the Fredericksburg Area Museum.
Afternoon Panel: Perspectives from Curators and Scholars
The afternoon panel will showcase presentations by esteemed curators and scholars. Dr. Kellie Jones, a 2016 MacArthur Fellow, will present “Black Curators Matter: An Oral History Project,” drawing on her experiences curating groundbreaking exhibitions at institutions such as the Studio Museum in Harlem. Dr. Bridget R. Cooks will present “Black Art, White Galleries: Two Case Studies,” examining the integration of Black art into mainstream museum collections. Following their presentations, Drs. Jones and Cooks will engage in a discussion with Delphine Sims, Assistant Curator of Photography at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
Reception and Community Gathering
Attendees are invited to join the moderators and presenters for a reception at AGBS’s Christian-Green Gallery. This will provide an opportunity for artists, scholars, museum professionals, students, and community members to engage in dialogue and appreciation of the speakers and cultural spaces.
Hybrid Format for Accessibility
In acknowledgment of accessibility and sustainability, the event will be offered in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and virtual participation. Those unable to attend in person can access the event on AGBS’ YouTube Channel, where a recording will also be made available.
“Why Black Museums: Exhibitions and Relations” promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of Black museum practices and their impact on contemporary museum discourse. AGBS is proud to spearhead this initiative in collaboration with Dr. Cherise Smith, Executive Director of Art Galleries at Black Studies, and Dr. Gaila Sims, highlighting the invaluable contributions of Black museums to the broader cultural landscape.
Feature Image: Installation shot of Angelbert Metoyer’s exhibition Wrestling History: Points Along a Journey of Dis/covery Hidden in the Temple at the Christian-Green Gallery. Photo: Mark Doroba, The Visual Resources Collection, The University of Texas Libraries, The University of Texas at Austin.
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