backstory50: Rethinking our objects from Africa
Objects from Africa have been on view at the Neuberger Museum of Art since it opened to the public in 1974.
Next month, we will be hosting two days of virtual conversations about various aspects of museum care and display of objects from Africa. Renowned curators and educators will be offering models for how museums can address issues of provenance and restitution, engage and collaborate with communities both locally and in Africa, reframe the institutional representation of African art, and bridge the historic past and the creative present. At the conclusion, the panel moderators will then come together to offer their insights and perspectives on what the future might hold for African art collections in American museums.
The conversations have been organized by former Neuberger Curator of African Art Christa Clarke and are supported by Dr. Susan Harris and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The response has been incredible with more than 225 viewers from across the country and around the world already registered. Learn more here and sign up if you would like to listen in.
Today’s 50th anniversary thank-you goes to Dr. Susan Harris who, together with her late husband, Thomas Molnar, has generously supported not only the Neuberger Museum of Art but also Purchase College and its Conservatory of Music. In addition to their financial support, for many years Tom was a devoted docent in the Museum Volunteer Education program. He was loved by the Neuberger team and is dearly missed. The conversations will be in his honor.
Tracy Fitzpatrick
Director, Neuberger Museum of Art
Watch for a new backstory every Wednesday and follow us on social media as we share stories about the Museum’s history, our evolution to the present day, and look ahead to our exciting future. Stay up-to-date with the latest news and “NEU 50 Years” updates on our anniversary webpage.