Evaluation of the Mellon Interdisciplinary Initiative, 2019–2020
Walker Art Center, Minneapolis
In 2016, the Walker received a $1M grant from the Mellon Foundation to advance institutional practice related to the production, presentation, and collection of interdisciplinary art. ArtRise Projects was contracted to conduct a summative evaluation of the resulting Interdisciplinary Initiative. The evaluation focused on the production of eight complex interdisciplinary art projects, research and digital publishing efforts, and the organizational developments undertaken to support innovative artistic practice during the four-year institution-wide effort. Research included extensive interviews with Walker staff, fellows, advisors, and participating artists; as well as reviews of related materials, policies, and practices. Findings were delivered via a comprehensive written report and a two-part learning session attended by Walker leadership and staff.
Project Team
ArtRise Projects
Marnie Burke de Guzman, Principal
Stefanie Demong, Project Director, Communications & Interpretation
Walker Art Center
Philip Bither, McGuire Director and Senior Curator, Performing Arts
Mary Ceruti, Executive Director
Siri Engberg, Senior Curator and Director of Exhibitions Management, Visual Arts
Image Credits
Top: Maria Hassabi’s STAGING (2017) in the galleries of the exhibition Merce Cunningham: Common Time, Walker Art Center, 2017; photo: Thomas Poravas; courtesy the artist
Bottom left: Jason Moran: Slug’s Saloon (2018); courtesy the artist
Bottom right: Meg Stuart: A REFRACTED PORTRAIT; An evening of solos and duets; April 5-6, 2019, McGuire Theater; courtesy the artist