New York, NY – MA Curatorial Practice is set to host a dynamic series of online events this winter and spring, bringing together leading voices in art, technology, and curatorial practice. The program features panel discussions exploring Indigenous research frameworks, the intersection of art and artificial intelligence, and a curatorial roundtable with internationally recognized museum directors and curators.
The program underscores a commitment to fostering critical dialogue and providing a platform for emerging and established professionals in the field. These events, accessible via Zoom, offer unique opportunities to engage with thought leaders and delve into the evolving landscape of contemporary art and its presentation. The focus on Indigenous perspectives and the impact of technology on artistic creation highlights key areas of exploration within the MA Curatorial Practice program.
Exploring Indigenous Knowledge Systems
On Tuesday, February 24th at 7pm EST, a panel discussion titled “Producing Knowledge with Indigenous Research Frameworks” will feature Jeffrey Gibson, Candice Hopkins, Kite, and Dare Turner, moderated by Katherine Rochester. Gibson, a Mississippi Choctaw and Cherokee artist, recently co-edited the landmark volume An Indigenous Present (2023), which showcases diverse approaches to Indigenous concepts and media. Notably, Gibson is preparing to represent the United States at the 60th Venice Biennale Arte in 2024, marking a historic moment as the first Indigenous artist to do so. An Indigenous Present is available for purchase now.
Also participating is Candice Hopkins, Executive Director of Forge Project in Taghkanic, NY, who curated the exhibition Indian Theater: Performance, Art, and Self-Determination since 1969 in 2023 and published the accompanying Native Visual Sovereignty: A Reader on Art and Performance in 2025. Kite, founder of the Wíhaŋble S’a Center for Indigenous AI at Bard College in 2024, will contribute insights into the ethical implications of artificial intelligence within a Lakȟóta ontological framework. Dare Turner, the Brooklyn Museum’s first Curator of Indigenous Art, appointed in 2023, rounds out the panel. Registration for this event is available here.
The Algorithmic State: Orbiting Empathy
Shifting focus to the intersection of art and technology, the series “The Algorithmic State” will present “Orbiting Empathy: Speculative Encounters with Technological Others” on Thursday, March 26th at 9am EST. Artists Sougwen Chung and Xin Liu will explore the evolving relationship between humans and machines, moderated by Noam Segal, the LG Electronics Associate Curator at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. Chung’s work centers on embodied co-creation with robotic systems, while Liu examines the often-overlooked agency embedded within technological systems. The discussion will consider whether machines can reshape our understanding of intimacy and carry affect, memory, or desire. Registration for this event is here.
Curatorial Roundtable: International Perspectives
Throughout February, March, and April, Steven Henry Madoff will host a series of conversations with distinguished international curators and directors as part of “The Curatorial Roundtable.” These weekly sessions, held on Wednesdays at 9am EST/DST, will feature insights from Aline Hernández (Casco Art Institute, Utrecht) on February 18th, Dare Turner (Brooklyn Museum) on February 25th, Francesco Urbano Ragazzi (independent curators, Milan) on March 11th, Lilou Vidal (Bureau des Réalités, Brussels) on March 18th, Simon Kelly (Saint Louis Art Museum) on March 25th, Marie de Brugerolle (École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Lyon) on April 1st, Frankie Su (New Taipei City Art Museum, Taipei) on April 8th, Astrid Peterle (MuseumsQuartier, Vienna) on April 22nd, and Kay Watson (Serpentine, London) on April 29th. Registration links for each session are available here.
MA Curatorial Practice is a two-year master’s program in New York City designed to provide intensive professional training in curatorial studies. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, mentorship from leading curators, and networking opportunities, with the goal of preparing graduates for curatorial positions in the field. Further information about the program and application details can be found here.
These events offer a valuable opportunity for art professionals, students, and enthusiasts to engage with critical conversations shaping the future of the field. The program’s commitment to diverse perspectives and innovative approaches promises a stimulating and insightful series of discussions.
As the spring season unfolds, MA Curatorial Practice will continue to build on this momentum, fostering a vibrant community of curators and artists. Stay tuned for further announcements and opportunities to engage with the program’s ongoing initiatives.