Okwui Enwezor Honored in New Initiative with ICI
Marian Goodman Gallery will honor the late Okwui Enwezor with the launch of a new initiative to create educational and research opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) curators. The initiative is conceived by artist Steve McQueen, in partnership with Independent Curators International (ICI) and will support ICI’s professional development programs and research fellowships.
A curator, art critic, writer, poet, and educator, Enwezor (1963-2019) championed the agency of African art, challenged the long-established narrative of European and North American art, and embraced a global perspective which opened countless doors for new voices and critical inquiry in the curatorial field. In this spirit, the initiative will empower emerging curators and support their thinking and practice.
“I hope with all my heart that this initiative can help to bring about a shift – and, of course, I wish that Okwui were still here to guide us,” said Marian Goodman. “As the gallery navigates these momentous times, it is important to start to address the imbalance and injustice that is embedded in the gallery and museum system. We are proud to partner with ICI to move towards these goals of change.”
“Okwui was always thinking about the future, always thinking ahead in order to create a healthier environment for all, no matter what the challenges were or what he, as a pioneer, came up against. This initiative is very much in his spirit, championing innovators in a field that he reinvented.” – Steve McQueen
As part of the first phase of the initiative, ICI will develop one Curatorial Intensive in Africa and two Curatorial Research Fellowships every year for the next three years. The programs will empower and sustain a more diverse generation of curators, and forge collaborative networks among curators, artists, and art spaces internationally.
Learn more about the program on ICI's website.
