How a Curator Addresses Complex Issues
John Spiak © 2011 Eliza Gregory (The Orange County Register)
On Wednesday, November 14th, staff members of 4Culture attended a lecture given by the University of Washington’s Museology program called “Art and Social Change”. Before the talk by John Spiak, director and chief curator at the Grand Central Art Center at Cal State- Fullerton, students from the University of Washington displayed posters highlighting how museums incorporate various social issues (such as obesity, gender roles, incarceration laws, and abuse) into their programs. The audience was exposed to the connection between art and social change and Spiak’s lecture exemplified how this relationship can be achieved creatively through using the museum as a platform.
Spiak’s own experiences working previously with the Arizona State University Art Museum and in California are numerous. His multimedia projects include working with communities ranging from prisoners to the elderly, and from farmers to children. His goal of examining everyday life and relationships requires reaching into all aspects of a surrounding community. He will often start an exhibit with questions: What is it like to live in a country where so many are incarcerated? What does suburban sprawl look like to farmers?
Through this approach, the museum becomes an interactive space that inspires further questions. Spiak admitted that it takes a great deal of time and planning in order to bring such ambitious and diverse shows into actuality, but he reassured students that it’s all well worth the effort when doing what you love. His clear passion for merging art and social change allows the exploration of controversial topics to move beyond museum walls. Some of his latest ideas seek to involve alternative venues such as restaurants, and it seems that no matter where he works, Spiak enables artists and communities to support local businesses and encourage dialogue, and promote awareness of issues in society.
2 comments
Cheri Perazzoli says:
Nov 25, 2012
In Response to;” How A Curator Addresses Complex Issues”..
Oh, I would love to hear Spiak’s presentation. This is the question I would pose. What is it like to attend a lecture and not be able to understand what you hear? Would you become bored? disappointed, frustrated or isolated? Would you leave? If you stayed, how would you participate in the discussion?
36 million Americans of all ages have difficulty hearing; the stigma and financial cost erect a barrier that leads to untreated hearing loss. Many simply stay home, as do their family. Barrier free access is needed to create social inclusion to facilitate social change.
Last month, I was thrilled to clearly hear Rock Huska’s engaging presentation on fiber art at the Free First Friday lecture series at the Bellevue Arts Museum. Wearing just my telecoil hearing aid, I could understand every word that he said! Like the museums and performing arts centers,and most public places throughout the UK and Scandanavian countries, The Bellevue Arts Museum has installed a hearing loop in the auditorium for the benefit of their patrons who use hearing aids or cochlear implants. This is empowering for those of us for whom hearing is a daily challenge. I simply show up, sit anywhere–even in the back row and with a push of a button, I too, can participate in the same way as my normal hearing companions. And because there is no device to return, I can leave whenever I want. This inclusive experience will stay with me beyond the museum walls; BAM has begun the dialogue to create a supportive,healthy and engaged community.
Join me for the next First Free Friday,December 7th,at The Bellevue Arts Museum; Featured Lecture Artist: Nikki McClure. Bring along that HOH friend and let them hear what they’ve been missing!
Cheri Perazzoli
HLA-WA
Director of Advocacy
Kris Morrissey says:
Nov 26, 2012
So great to have 4Culture joining Museology for this program. Conversations are always richer with more voices from different areas of cultural work. Thanks!