<text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="16.1159973144531" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="119.832984924316" x="105.073097229004" y="-365.25" data-test="textbox">Museum director </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="16.1329956054688" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="110.075012207031" x="224.673492431641" y="-365.25" data-test="textbox">Franklin Sirmans </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="16.1159973144531" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="167.104888916016" x="334.752410888672" y="-365.25" data-test="textbox">is on a mission to make </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="16.1329956054688" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="215.507339477539" x="128.705001831055" y="-349.25" data-test="textbox">contemporary art a medium for </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="15.5719909667969" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="65.3565063476562" x="344.289489746094" y="-349.25" data-test="textbox">community</text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="16.1159973144531" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="62.1485900878906" x="410.784088134766" y="-349.25" data-test="textbox">-building.&nbsp;</text>

By Kat Herriman Photography Jade Lilly

<text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4200134277344" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="246.87996673584" x="50.6500015258789" y="-322.5" data-test="textbox">Since becoming the director of </text><a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/art/best-art-shows-basel-miami-2021-exhibitions-fair-scope-design" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Miami's</a> <text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4200134277344" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="246.87996673584" x="50.6500015258789" y="-322.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">Jorge M. P&eacute;rez Art </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4700012207031" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.453964233398" x="50.0800018310547" y="-310.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">Museum (PAMM) in October of 2015, Franklin Sirmans </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300109863281" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.297954559326" x="50.2599983215332" y="-298.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">has exponentially grown the museum&rsquo;s endowment, making </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4200134277344" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.211025238037" x="50.310001373291" y="-286.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">PAMM an international destination as well as the de facto </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300109863281" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.271984100342" x="50.2599983215332" y="-274.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">hub for Caribbean and </text><a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/the-latinx-designers-who-shaped-american-fashion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Latinx</a> <text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300109863281" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.271984100342" x="50.2599983215332" y="-274.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">diaspora contemporary </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300109863281" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.113975524902" x="50.4300003051758" y="-262.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">art studies. Helping to hone the collection&rsquo;s mission and </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300109863281" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.189998626709" x="50.3699989318848" y="-250.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">expand its fiscal support network and its strategic grassroots </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.16296005249" x="50.3699989318848" y="-238.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">collaborations, Sirmans has unified <text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.16296005249" x="50.3699989318848" y="-238.5" data-test="textbox">a city of competing </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="13.5399932861328" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="122.7799949646" x="50.2599983215332" y="-226.5" data-test="textbox">interests into one community.</text></text>
<text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4600067138672" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.621139526367" x="49.9199981689453" y="-202.5" data-test="textbox">This is no easy task in an era when museums and cultural </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.121109008789" x="50.3899993896484" y="-190.5" data-test="textbox">nonprofits face their most acute inflection point in recent </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.301128387451" x="50.2599983215332" y="-178.5" data-test="textbox">history, due to the public&rsquo;s renewed pledge to see collections </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.188045501709" x="50.3699989318848" y="-166.5" data-test="textbox">decolonized, staff unionized, board systems interrogated, and </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.129123687744" x="50.4099998474121" y="-154.5" data-test="textbox">sustainability and accessibility taken seriously. But Sirmans, </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.69909286499" x="49.8699989318848" y="-142.5" data-test="textbox">who during his illustrious career has been a critic, editor, </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4600067138672" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.157108306885" x="50.4099998474121" y="-130.5" data-test="textbox">scholar, and curator&mdash;including at The Menil Collection </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4199981689453" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.304149627686" x="50.2599983215332" y="-118.499984741211" data-test="textbox">in Houston and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4700012207031" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="246.964210510254" x="50.5999984741211" y="-106.499969482422" data-test="textbox">(LACMA)&mdash;is someone who can thoughtfully see all sides. </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4400024414062" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.562072753906" x="50" y="-94.4999694824219" data-test="textbox">As the artist, Teresita Fern&aacute;ndez, who has exhibited at </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4199981689453" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.250118255615" x="50.310001373291" y="-82.4999694824219" data-test="textbox">PAMM, explains, &ldquo;Franklin understands that museums are </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300033569336" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.127098083496" x="50.4300003051758" y="-70.4999542236328" data-test="textbox">about people, and that visual culture and social change are i<text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300109863281" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.274169921875" x="307.260009765625" y="-322.499969482422" data-test="textbox">nextricably linked. His authentic relationships with artists </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300109863281" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.297119140625" x="307.260009765625" y="-310.499969482422" data-test="textbox">internationally are a testament to how true museum leadership </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300109863281" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="213.937072753906" x="307.260009765625" y="-298.499969482422" data-test="textbox">is built on meaningful connections that inspire trust."</text></text>

L&rsquo;OFFICIEL: What made you excited to move to Miami?
<text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="6.25198364257812" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="61.6799926757812" x="307.420013427734" y="-267.772003173828" data-test="textbox"> </text>
FRANKLIN SIRMANS<text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="6.25198364257812" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="61.6799926757812" x="307.420013427734" y="-267.772003173828" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">: </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300109863281" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="185.347015380859" x="369.140899658203" y="-262.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">I grew up in New York, but I used to go to </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300109863281" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.481018066406" x="307.080871582031" y="-250.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">Miami and the </text><a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/travel-living/palm-heights-grand-cayman-boutique-hotel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Caribbean, </a><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300109863281" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.481018066406" x="307.080871582031" y="-250.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">visiting friends and family. I did </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.118072509766" x="307.430877685547" y="-238.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">an exhibition in 2008 that I felt had to come to Miami because </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="170.693969726562" x="307.350891113281" y="-226.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">of its subject matter, which was this show, </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="13.8500061035156" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="76.6540222167969" x="477.684906005859" y="-226.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">NeoHooDoo: Art for</text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="13.8300018310547" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="64.77099609375" x="307.340881347656" y="-214.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">a Forgotten Faith </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="106.628021240234" x="372.010894775391" y="-214.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">at their Menil Collection. T<text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4600067138672" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.622924804688" x="306.9208984375" y="-202.5" data-test="textbox">hat whole show was based on, in a broad sense, </text></text><a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/art/fatherhood-contemporary-artists-parenting-kids" target="_blank" rel="noopener">contemporary art</a> <text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="106.628021240234" x="372.010894775391" y="-214.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;"><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4199981689453" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.102996826172" x="307.430877685547" y="-190.5" data-test="textbox">and spirituality, but it was specific to only the Americas. </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.327911376953" x="307.200897216797" y="-178.5" data-test="textbox">In a way, to provide a territorial rule for yourself, but also </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.304016113281" x="307.230895996094" y="-166.5" data-test="textbox">to suggest that what happens here is completely unique in terms</text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4199981689453" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.341979980469" x="307.230895996094" y="-154.5" data-test="textbox">&nbsp;of the after-effects of slavery and middle passages. And </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.292907714844" x="307.230895996094" y="-142.5" data-test="textbox">then in a religious sense, not synergy, but what happens when </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.287933349609" x="307.240875244141" y="-130.500015258789" data-test="textbox">religion that&rsquo;s used by Europeans to enslave people is then </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.197052001953" x="307.360870361328" y="-118.500015258789" data-test="textbox">met with a form of resistance from native culture. Basically, </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300033569336" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.646942138672" x="306.930877685547" y="-106.500015258789" data-test="textbox">you get Candombl&eacute; in </text></text><a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/art/brazilian-artist-emanoel-araujo-hans-ulrich-obrist-artcrush-interview" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Brazil</a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">, <text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="106.628021240234" x="372.010894775391" y="-214.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;"><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300033569336" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.646942138672" x="306.930877685547" y="-106.500015258789" data-test="textbox">you get Voodoo in Haiti, you </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300033569336" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.411956787109" x="307.140899658203" y="-94.5" data-test="textbox">get Santer&iacute;a in </text></text><a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/clandestina-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Cuba</a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">, <text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300033569336" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.411956787109" x="307.140899658203" y="-94.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">Miami is an exciting, incredible place </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300033569336" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.321960449219" x="307.230895996094" y="-82.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">to come to where you have a very different public than you </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300033569336" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="84.9140014648438" x="306.870880126953" y="-70.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">would in other cities</text>
 L'O: How has your role changed in the city over your tenure, and what are you focused on now?
FS: <text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4199829101562" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="238.933044433594" x="680.6279296875" y="-710.5" data-test="textbox">Amongst other institutions, we&rsquo;ve always been what we </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.6669921875" x="671.867919921875" y="-698.5" data-test="textbox">would call the flagship. We want all boats to rise together; </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.677978515625" x="671.867919921875" y="-686.5" data-test="textbox">we&rsquo;re trying to be part of a leadership team, along with our </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.132995605469" x="672.367919921875" y="-674.5" data-test="textbox">civic leaders, that highlights Miami as a place where the arts </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.138000488281" x="672.427917480469" y="-662.5" data-test="textbox">are not just supported, but cherished and valued in a way </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.296997070312" x="672.227905273438" y="-650.5" data-test="textbox">that could potentially be available for all. When our museum </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.226989746094" x="672.347900390625" y="-638.5" data-test="textbox">opened in 1984, it was run by a European director, Jan </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.277954101562" x="672.277954101562" y="-626.5" data-test="textbox">Vandermark, who had experienced working in the Midwest </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4199829101562" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.114990234375" x="672.427917480469" y="-614.5" data-test="textbox">at big institutions like the MCA </text><a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/chanel-boutique-chicago-drake-hotel-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chicago</a> <text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4199829101562" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.114990234375" x="672.427917480469" y="-614.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">and the Dia. He </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.169982910156" x="672.367919921875" y="-602.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">came to Miami and there weren&rsquo;t exactly collectors at that </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.43994140625" x="672.137939453125" y="-590.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">point in time who were willing to support the creation of a </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="11.2899780273438" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="54.9839477539062" x="672.387939453125" y="-578.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">new museum.&nbsp;</text>
<text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4600219726562" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.591003417969" x="671.917907714844" y="-566.5" data-test="textbox">The first thing he did was a show that brought in works from </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4199829101562" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.258972167969" x="672.267944335938" y="-554.5" data-test="textbox">50 different museums across the country. And six months </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.531921386719" x="672.017944335938" y="-542.5" data-test="textbox">before the museum opened, he mounted Jean-Claude and </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.037963867188" x="672.477905273438" y="-530.5" data-test="textbox">Christo&rsquo;s &ldquo;Surrounded Islands,&rdquo; and it was all about getting </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.434936523438" x="672.137939453125" y="-518.5" data-test="textbox">people to work together, especially at a time when they really </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4600219726562" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.716979980469" x="671.867919921875" y="-506.5" data-test="textbox">weren&rsquo;t doing so. The city was known for drugs, violence, and </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300109863281" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.300964355469" x="672.257934570312" y="-494.499969482422" data-test="textbox">immigration. It was a very transitional and difficult moment, </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300109863281" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="53.510009765625" x="672.427917480469" y="-482.499969482422" data-test="textbox">and one that </text>Time Magazine <text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300109863281" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="133.401000976562" x="786.14794921875" y="-482.499969482422" data-test="textbox">would call &ldquo;Paradise Lost.&rdquo; But </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300109863281" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="201.887939453125" x="672.257934570312" y="-470.499969482422" data-test="textbox">it was really the beginning of something amazing. </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300109863281" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.664001464844" x="671.837951660156" y="-458.499938964844" data-test="textbox">With that backdrop, we&rsquo;re in this position where we can </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300109863281" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.140075683594" x="672.407897949219" y="-446.499938964844" data-test="textbox">spread the gospel of art. If you&rsquo;re walking through the streets </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300109863281" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.216918945312" x="672.347900390625" y="-434.499938964844" data-test="textbox">of Wynwood, then you should be equally at home in our </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300109863281" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.137939453125" x="672.35791015625" y="-422.499938964844" data-test="textbox">museum. Our goal is to provide <text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300109863281" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.137939453125" x="672.35791015625" y="-422.499938964844" data-test="textbox">a space for education and </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300109863281" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="134.192993164062" x="672.367919921875" y="-410.499938964844" data-test="textbox">entertainment through </text></text><a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/art/catherine-opie-is-burning-down-the-house" target="_blank" rel="noopener">visual art.&nbsp;</a>

L'O: You revisited the &ldquo;Surrounded Islands&rdquo; project recently for an anniversary. What was it like going back into that, and seeing all the progress the city and the institution have made since?
FS: <text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4599990844727" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="238.953002929688" x="680.6279296875" y="-86.5" data-test="textbox">The museum opened in 1984 as the Center for Fine Arts </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4199981689453" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.114990234375" x="672.427917480469" y="-74.5" data-test="textbox">and was renamed the Miami Art Museum in 1994. At that </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300033569336" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.302001953125" x="672.227905273438" y="-62.5" data-test="textbox">time we had an amazing director, Susanne Delahanty. </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4599990844727" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.591003417969" x="671.917907714844" y="-50.5" data-test="textbox">Then I think we had the right director to make our incredible </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.439998626709" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.50390625" x="672.017944335938" y="-38.5" data-test="textbox">building, Terry Riley, who was not only an architect, but </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4599990844727" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.333984375" x="672.227905273438" y="-26.5" data-test="textbox">the head of architecture at </text><a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/moma-will-screen-twin-peaks-marathon" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MoMA</a>. <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">My predecessor, Thom <text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.06103515625" x="929.47998046875" y="-734.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">Collins, came in with experience to get things moving in </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4600219726562" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.084899902344" x="929.429992675781" y="-722.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">a difficult environment. Then, there&rsquo;s me, with a mission </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.323974609375" x="929.22998046875" y="-710.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">to really double down on where we have come from and </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.31298828125" x="929.22998046875" y="-698.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">to lead the international conversation in contemporary art </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4199829101562" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.372924804688" x="929.140014648438" y="-686.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">pertaining to Latin America and the Caribbean, and even </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4199829101562" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="114.316040039062" x="929.119995117188" y="-674.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">looking across the Atlantic.</text>
<text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4599990844727" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.333984375" x="672.227905273438" y="-26.5" data-test="textbox"><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4199829101562" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="114.316040039062" x="929.119995117188" y="-674.5" data-test="textbox"><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4599914550781" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.658020019531" x="928.919982910156" y="-278.5" data-test="textbox">This is something that I think we should naturally be one </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300109863281" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.217895507812" x="929.349975585938" y="-266.5" data-test="textbox">of the best at, and that&rsquo;s what we&rsquo;ve been trying to bring to </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.285034179688" x="929.22998046875" y="-254.500015258789" data-test="textbox">the fore in these past few years. We had a fund for </text></text></text><a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/art/now-what-life-post-protest-amplifying-black-art" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Black art</a> <text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300109863281" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.114929199219" x="929.429992675781" y="-242.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">that started when the building opened in 2013, and we bought</text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4600067138672" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.531982421875" x="929.02001953125" y="-230.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;some amazing works. Then we said, &ldquo;Wait a minute, </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.7080078125" x="928.869995117188" y="-218.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">we have incredible people here, we have the opportunity to </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.201049804688" x="929.369995117188" y="-206.5" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">do something really special.&rdquo; We turned it into an endowed </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.26806640625" x="929.25" y="-194.499938964844" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">fund with the help of the Knight Foundation. We&rsquo;ve also </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4199981689453" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.178955078125" x="929.369995117188" y="-182.499938964844" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">created a Latin American and Latinx art fund. In the coming </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.627990722656" x="928.929992675781" y="-170.499938964844" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">year alone, we&rsquo;re doing exhibitions with Marisol, Cruz-Diez, </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="206.230041503906" x="929.429992675781" y="-158.499938964844" data-test="textbox" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">and H&eacute;lio Oiticica, and with Mariano from Cuba.&nbsp;</text>
 L'O:&nbsp;Is the collecting aspect of the institution something that is of particular interest to you?
FS: Y<text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300033569336" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="236.202026367188" x="940.3369140625" y="-110.5" data-test="textbox">es, big time. Coming from somebody who worked in </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300033569336" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="248.261840820312" x="928.266967773438" y="-98.5" data-test="textbox">journalism and as an independent curator for several years, </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300033569336" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.335083007812" x="929.226928710938" y="-86.5" data-test="textbox">the first thing of getting into a space like that of the Menil </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300033569336" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.691040039062" x="928.866943359375" y="-74.5" data-test="textbox">was how we work with the collection. I find that incredibly </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300033569336" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.178955078125" x="929.366943359375" y="-62.5" data-test="textbox">exciting because it&rsquo;s not just about the current moment, but </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300033569336" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.130920410156" x="929.426940917969" y="-50.5" data-test="textbox">also about what we&rsquo;re leaving behind for generations to come. </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299995422363" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.713073730469" x="928.836975097656" y="-38.5" data-test="textbox">We&rsquo;re able to do things thematically and tell stories that we </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.230001449585" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="194.39697265625" x="928.866943359375" y="-26.4999980926514" data-test="textbox">were not able to do so readily or so easily before.&nbsp;</text>
<text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.701992034912" x="49.8400001525879" y="-734.5" data-test="textbox">When we reopened here in the challenging time of </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.031963348389" x="50.4799995422363" y="-722.5" data-test="textbox">COVID-19, we had allied with PowerUP, which is a </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4199829101562" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.20397567749" x="50.3699989318848" y="-710.5" data-test="textbox">celebration of the African diaspora through donations from </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4199829101562" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="210.368000030518" x="49.2400016784668" y="-698.5" data-test="textbox">Jorge P&eacute;rez. A month later we opened a show called </text>My Body, My Rules <text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="212.740921020508" x="84.7599945068359" y="-686.5" data-test="textbox">by Jen Ignacio that featured all women. Next was the </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="22.8729972839355" x="50.4099998474121" y="-674.5" data-test="textbox">show </text>The Artist as Poet, <text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="156.804000854492" x="140.759994506836" y="-674.5" data-test="textbox">which focused on the context of text </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.131988525391" x="50.4299926757812" y="-662.5" data-test="textbox">and its relationship to contemporary art. We&rsquo;ve put ourselves </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.312976837158" x="50.2599906921387" y="-650.5" data-test="textbox">in a position via the collection to lead the conversation of who </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="151.895999908447" x="49.8699913024902" y="-638.5" data-test="textbox">we are in terms of mission and vision.&nbsp;</text>

L&rsquo;O: As a curator, you are wearing a million different hats, from researcher to producer to financier. There are very few people who go into curatorial work wanting to wear all of those hats. What drew you to the profession, and how have you managed to embrace all the roles that come with it?
FS: <text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="236.898025512695" x="60.6248016357422" y="-554.5" data-test="textbox">From a very clich&eacute;, very romantic point of view, I was just </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.109935760498" x="50.4348030090332" y="-542.5" data-test="textbox">as interested in writing poetry and writing criticism. In fact, </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4199829101562" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.154026031494" x="50.364803314209" y="-530.5" data-test="textbox">my first job was in the publications department of the Dia Art </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4600219726562" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.249935150146" x="50.3248023986816" y="-518.5" data-test="textbox">Foundation, not in curatorial. Then I worked for Flash Art in </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4600219726562" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.345031738281" x="50.2048034667969" y="-506.5" data-test="textbox">Italy and taught criticism as well. The idea of creating visual </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300109863281" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.1989402771" x="50.3548011779785" y="-494.5" data-test="textbox">objects-based essays, in a way, is how I came to curating. I </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300109863281" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.86697769165" x="50.1448020935059" y="-482.5" data-test="textbox">guess from that almost romantic view of Frank O&rsquo;Hara&mdash;</text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300109863281" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="234.833934783936" x="49.9348030090332" y="-470.5" data-test="textbox">you&rsquo;re writing and you&rsquo;re making shows at the same time.&nbsp;</text>
 L&rsquo;O: You have a reputation based on a very hands-on community approach, and you&rsquo;ve carved out a position in the city as a facilitator. Can you ever see yourself leaving Miami? How would you try to translate that energy into another city?
FS: <text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4600219726562" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="238.877990722656" x="315.627868652344" y="-734.5" data-test="textbox">T</text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4600219726562" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="238.877990722656" x="315.627868652344" y="-734.5" data-test="textbox">he future we would like to see in museums&mdash;the future </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.326019287109" x="307.227874755859" y="-722.5" data-test="textbox">that has been pushed because of George Floyd&mdash;is museums </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.306976318359" x="307.227874755859" y="-710.5" data-test="textbox">that have a relationship to the community that is a little bit </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.181945800781" x="307.367858886719" y="-698.5" data-test="textbox">different than it has been in the past. One that is stronger </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.098022460938" x="307.427856445312" y="-686.5" data-test="textbox">and more engaged in a conversation with potential audiences, </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.134033203125" x="307.427856445312" y="-674.5" data-test="textbox">and allows those dialogues to actually influence the way </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="79.1100158691406" x="306.867858886719" y="-662.5" data-test="textbox">we go about things.</text>
<text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.704132080078" x="306.837860107422" y="-650.5" data-test="textbox">What we&rsquo;re trying to do right now is just collaborate, collaborate, </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.172119140625" x="307.367858886719" y="-638.5" data-test="textbox">collaborate, especially with organizations that are smaller and </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.154113769531" x="307.357849121094" y="-626.5" data-test="textbox">more nimble, and probably more deeply enmeshed in actual </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4600219726562" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.135223388672" x="307.407867431641" y="-614.5" data-test="textbox">social change. That&rsquo;s part of what we do, but we can&rsquo;t do it as well </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.119079589844" x="307.427856445312" y="-602.5" data-test="textbox">as they can. But we can be a great collaborator and focal point for </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.381042480469" x="307.137878417969" y="-590.5" data-test="textbox">people to come to know more about those organizations. One </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4199829101562" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.191192626953" x="307.347869873047" y="-578.5" data-test="textbox">of the things I like about being here is that it&rsquo;s the P&eacute;rez Art </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.430206298828" x="307.077850341797" y="-566.5" data-test="textbox">Museum of Miami-Dade County. We are directly tied to our </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4600219726562" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.3701171875" x="307.137878417969" y="-554.5" data-test="textbox">government, for better or worse. That means we&rsquo;re working for </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="240.543182373047" x="307.227874755859" y="-542.5" data-test="textbox">the people who pay the taxes, and that&rsquo;s built into our mission.&nbsp;</text>

L&rsquo;O: How do you make artists into your allies?
<text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="6.25198364257812" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="8.16598510742188" x="307.420013427734" y="-307.772003173828" data-test="textbox">FS: </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300109863281" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="238.923034667969" x="315.627868652344" y="-302.5" data-test="textbox">It&rsquo;s maintaining a generosity of time and spirit in engaging </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300109863281" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.671020507812" x="306.867858886719" y="-290.5" data-test="textbox">with an artist&rsquo;s work and ideas in the context of not only </text><a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/art/matthew-craven-primer-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">art history</a>&nbsp;<text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4599914550781" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.2939453125" x="307.257873535156" y="-278.5" data-test="textbox">but also of the current moment. That&rsquo;s part of the </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4599914550781" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.424926757812" x="307.137878417969" y="-266.5" data-test="textbox">give-and-take between a curator and an artist. That, I miss a </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.457946777344" x="307.117858886719" y="-254.500015258789" data-test="textbox">little bit, but I also never will give it up completely. I go to a </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300109863281" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.135955810547" x="307.407867431641" y="-242.5" data-test="textbox">studio every now and then, and try to maintain that aspect of </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="102.055999755859" x="307.227874755859" y="-230.5" data-test="textbox">the job even as a director.&nbsp;</text>
 L&rsquo;O: What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
<text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="6.25199890136719" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="8.10598754882812" x="307.420013427734" y="-199.772003173828" data-test="textbox">FS: </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="239.007080078125" x="315.537780761719" y="-194.5" data-test="textbox">Most importantly, in a general sense, to leave things in a </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.528137207031" x="307.017761230469" y="-182.5" data-test="textbox">better place&mdash;literally by continuing to grow the collection with </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.192047119141" x="307.367767333984" y="-170.5" data-test="textbox">quantity over quality, which is going to become paramount. </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.727111816406" x="306.837768554688" y="-158.5" data-test="textbox">We have to think about, &ldquo;When is enough, enough? How do </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.670074462891" x="306.867767333984" y="-146.5" data-test="textbox">we deal with the issues of storage and accumulation along </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.644134521484" x="306.867767333984" y="-134.5" data-test="textbox">with planning the collection, but also being able to speak to </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299957275391" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.192108154297" x="307.367767333984" y="-122.5" data-test="textbox">contemporary society?&rdquo; Hopefully, we leave the museum in a</text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300033569336" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.076263427734" x="307.427764892578" y="-110.5" data-test="textbox">&nbsp;better position to answer that. Can we leave some wiggle </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.4599990844727" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.311065673828" x="307.237762451172" y="-98.5000076293945" data-test="textbox">room by creating a much bigger endowment? That would be </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300033569336" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.110137939453" x="307.387786865234" y="-86.5000076293945" data-test="textbox">nice, and that&rsquo;s something that I would like to be able to leave </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300033569336" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.531066894531" x="307.017761230469" y="-74.5000076293945" data-test="textbox">behind, especially if we&rsquo;ve cultivated a group of people from </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300033569336" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.213165283203" x="307.367767333984" y="-62.5000152587891" data-test="textbox">different backgrounds that hold the museum dear. I just want </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2300033569336" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.264099121094" x="307.227783203125" y="-50.5000152587891" data-test="textbox">to keep growing so that we are a mirror of not only this city, </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.2299995422363" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.578063964844" x="307.017761230469" y="-38.5000152587891" data-test="textbox">but also of something that could be an example of how people </text><text class="textbox__3ziulaHePS__preview-doc" direction="ltr" height="14.230001449585" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="186.640045166016" x="307.117767333984" y="-26.4999980926514" data-test="textbox">live together well, with the museum at its core.&nbsp;</text>

Franklin Sirmans on Curating, Collecting, and Community in the Art World

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