How do artistic communities shape institutionsâand how do institutions, in turn, shape culture? Grounded in the Pacific Northwest and inspired by Beyond Mysticism: The Modern Northwest, this timely panel discussion explores the role of artists, curators, and cultural producers in shaping museums and creative ecosystems.
Drawing on the exhibitionâs focus on modern Northwest artists and the creative communities that sustained them, this conversation examines how local artists navigate systems of access, gatekeeping, and accountability today. Panelists will reflect on who gets to curate culture, how artists of color challenge and redefine institutional structures, and what âcommunityâ means in an era of heightened public critique.
Moderated by curator and cultural producer John Wesley, the panel brings together artists, curators, and scholars whose work bridges local practice and national discourse, offering insight into how communitiesânot just institutionsâshape artistic legacy in the Northwest.
6 pm | Auditorium opens
6:30 pm | Conversation begins
7:15 pm | Q&A
8 pm | Museum closes
You can RSVP during the admission ticket checkout process. If you're taking advantage of admission discounts, please call our Customer Service Center at 206.654.3210.
Presenting Sponsors
Major Sponsors
Bette and David Sprague Exhibition Endowment
Supporting Sponsors
Beane Family Foundation
Noah Musler and Lucy Wang
Nguyáť
n Thanh Chuân and Essie Jacobs*
Eric Peterson and Barbara Pomeroy
Perkins Coie LLP
The Twining Humber Fund
Hotel Sponsor
Warwick Seattle