The Art of the Program

What does a classic board game, a hit tv show, and an underground dance scene have to do with an art museum?  Explore how museums use innovative public programs to make unexpected connections, create dynamic experiences, and engage new audiences. Damon Reaves, Head of Learning and Engagement, National Gallery of Art, will explain the art of creating spectacular public programming in this public lecture.

Damon Reaves is the Head of Learning and Engagement at the National Gallery of Art where he leads a large team of educators, interpreters, and programmers to further the museum’s vision of being “Of the Nation and for all the people.” His work has focused on building strong relationships between cultural institutions and their surrounding communities. Prior to his current role he was the Interim Senior Curator of Education and Public Programs at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. He has a background in visual art, working in drawing, painting, and installation. He earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Damon contributed the essay Letting Go: Surrendering Authority and Embracing the Non-Museum Expert for the publication Radical Practice: What We May Be. He also authored Panic Engagement: Why reactionary outreach is counterproductive to community engagement for the upcoming journal Arts in Society: Engagement Curating.

Free and open to the public. No registration required.

Support provided by the Art Bridges Foundation