Welcome to our first newsletter of the new year! And what a year we have planned, so I’ll jump right in.
First, I am proud to introduce the latest evolution of our digital transformation. Housed on our website under the banner of “Read,” we’ve collected all of our written editorial features—including artist interviews, as well as pieces originally commissioned for the Art21 Magazine—into a single location for the first time ever.
We’re introducing three new monthly columns: In the Studio offers readers an intimate look at the studio practices of artists from around the world; Big Question addresses some of the vital issues that concern today’s artists; and Conversation Starter prompts readers to examine how artists think and make work today.
We’ve also added some subtle but significant design touches throughout the website in an effort to help you better explore our library of films and resources.
We can’t wait for you to spend some time reading Art21 in between watching Art21.
Finally, I am looking forward to unveiling the first season of new Art21 films for 2020…soon! My February dispatch will reveal the five new releases slated for winter 2020, the first of which catches up with the inimitable Jacolby Satterwhite. Stay tuned.
We have so much more, but that’s for another newsletter. Here’s to an inspired start to the new decade!
Tina Kukielski
Executive Director and Chief Curator
January 8, 2020
In Memoriam: John Baldessari (1931–2020)
We, along with countless others, were saddened to hear about the passing of the great John Baldessari this past weekend. Through our own interviews alone, we know that his work and teachings have inspired so many.
Over a decade ago, we had the incredible honor to film with the artist for a segment in our Art in the Twenty-First Century series. In celebration of the tremendous legacy that the artist has given to the world, I am proud to share our full segment with you.
Read all about it
For more than a decade, we have made great strides in creating platforms for writing that not only complement our filmmaking, but also tell stories in their own right.
In the digital space, we launched the Art21 Blog in 2007, reimagined it as the Art21 Magazine in 2013, and, today, reintroduce the platform as a primary vertical on Art21.org. For the first time, all of our editorial features are positioned in their rightful place on our website, living side-by-side with our library of film and education resources.
The “Read” vertical launches with a batch of features across three new monthly columns, including: a studio visit with Lorna Simpson; a reflection on the question “What does the art world fear?” by Tiona Nekkia McClodden; and a prompt that asks, “What does history sound like?”
Read these and more at their new home on Art21.org.
Apply soon for Art21 Educators
We will soon open the application period for the coming year of Art21 Educators, our long-running professional development initiative and learning community for educators.
Subscribe to our monthly education newsletter for the latest updates on the Art21 Educators program.
Our year in review
I have one more first to share with you: our first-ever annual report. We are pleased to present, for the first time, a collected year-in-review of all of our activities, including those across film, education, digital, events, and community outreach.
This inaugural report covers our 2017–18 fiscal year, spanning from October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018.
A PDF version of the original print publication is available as a download on Art21.org.
Thank you for supporting our work
As a non-profit organization, we rely on the generosity of viewers like you to help us continue to produce engaging films and educational resources on contemporary artists and art. If you’ve felt inspired by Art21 films, please consider donating today. Your gift will ensure the stories, art, and ideas of the most innovative artists of our time continue to inspire audiences around the world. Thank you for supporting our work.
