MA Curatorial Practice Explores Evolving Trends in Art Curation

Upcoming events highlight Indigenous perspectives, AI's impact, and the changing role of museums

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The School of Visual Arts' MA Curatorial Practice program is hosting a series of events that offer insights into the transformative shifts happening in the curatorial world. From centering Indigenous knowledge systems to examining the intersection of art and artificial intelligence, these discussions reflect the growing emphasis on decolonizing art narratives, fostering inclusive practices, and re-evaluating the museum's purpose in society.

Why it matters

The curatorial field is undergoing a significant evolution, driven by a need to address pressing contemporary issues, challenge traditional power dynamics, and create more equitable and inclusive art spaces. The upcoming MA Curatorial Practice events provide a platform to explore these critical developments, which have far-reaching implications for the future of the art world.

The details

The event lineup includes a panel discussion on 'Producing Knowledge with Indigenous Research Frameworks,' featuring renowned artists and curators like Jeffrey Gibson and Candice Hopkins, who are at the forefront of decolonizing art historical narratives. Another panel, 'Orbiting Empathy: Speculative Encounters with Technological Others,' delves into the complex relationship between humans and machines, exploring how AI is reshaping our understanding of creativity and the boundaries between the human and the artificial. The 'Curatorial Roundtable' series also brings together leading international curators and directors to share their experiences and insights, underscoring the increasingly global nature of the curatorial field.

  • The 'Producing Knowledge with Indigenous Research Frameworks' panel discussion will take place on February 24, 2026.
  • The 'Orbiting Empathy: Speculative Encounters with Technological Others' panel is scheduled for March 26, 2026.
  • The 'Curatorial Roundtable' series is an ongoing program hosted by the MA Curatorial Practice program.

The players

Jeffrey Gibson

The first Indigenous artist to represent the United States at the Venice Biennale Arte, known for his work that challenges traditional art historical narratives.

Candice Hopkins

Curator of the landmark exhibition 'Indian Theater: Performance, Art, and Self-Determination since 1969,' and the founder of the Forge Project, an Indigenous-led nonprofit.

Kite

An artist and curator who collaborates with Indigenous communities to produce knowledge and challenge traditional power dynamics in the art world.

Dare Turner

A curator at the Brooklyn Museum who is committed to elevating Indigenous artistic practices and decolonizing art historical narratives.

Sougwen Chung

An artist whose work explores the complex relationship between humans and machines, using robotic drawing systems to challenge our understanding of creativity.

Xin Liu

An artist whose practice focuses on the agency within technological systems, raising profound questions about the nature of consciousness and the boundaries between the human and the artificial.

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What they’re saying

“Producing Knowledge with Indigenous Research Frameworks”

— Jeffrey Gibson, Candice Hopkins, Kite, and Dare Turner, Panel Discussion (MA Curatorial Practice)

“Orbiting Empathy: Speculative Encounters with Technological Others”

— Sougwen Chung and Xin Liu, Panel Discussion (MA Curatorial Practice)

The takeaway

The upcoming MA Curatorial Practice events reflect the evolving role of museums and the curatorial field, which are increasingly focused on addressing contemporary issues, challenging traditional power structures, and fostering more inclusive and equitable art spaces. These discussions highlight the growing emphasis on Indigenous knowledge systems, the impact of AI on art and creativity, and the importance of global collaboration and cross-cultural dialogue in shaping the future of the art world.