Lecture by Kristian Anderson, Executive Director, Utah Museum of Contemporary Art.
Contemporary art, especially art that aims to stimulate action on, or draw attention to social and political issues, can become a lightning rod to those who disagree with its perceived purpose. Still, museums and artists persist in putting forth work they feel is vital to building an educated citizenry that enjoys dialogue and respects differing opinions. Anderson, who navigates the exhibition of challenging contemporary art in the conservative environment of Utah, offers specific examples and discusses how the work of the museum has pushed local and national dialog.
Anderson has serves as the executive director of the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art since early 2014. Previously, he serves as the first full-time directory of the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries, a national organization that specializes in education and advocacy for museums as well as helping to set museum standards. He has run contemporary art spaces at the University of Washington and the University of Colorado.
