Q+A with Director of American Visionary Art Museum Jenenne Whitfield
Publisher |
Rob Lee
Media Type |
audio
Categories Via RSS |
Arts
Documentary
Society & Culture
Publication Date |
Feb 06, 2023
Episode Duration |
00:37:16

Jenenne Whitfield became president of The Heidelberg Project in 2017. Under her direction, The Heidelberg Project (founded by Tyree Guyton) has risen to international prominence and is currently recognized as one of the most influential art environments in the world. Her leadership and commitment have enabled the project to extend its reach by participating in joint projects with museums, universities and other organizations throughout the world. Together, Whitfield and Guyton coined and trademarked the idiom, Heidelberg-ology, defined as the study of discarded materials incorporated into the fabric and structure of an urban community and the effects on that community. Under Whitfield’s leadership, the work of the HP spans six continents and has collected over 27 awards, locally, nationally and internationally.

In addition to her role as executive director of The Heidelberg Project, Whitfield lectures regularly, has taught courses at Wayne State University and the University of Michigan on art as a social practice, and serves as a mentor to the next generation of art thinkers and activists.  She is also co-founder of a new art collective in Detroit called United Artists of Detroit (UAD).

Rebecca Alban Hoffberger stated: “From idea to sustained fruition, the American Visionary Art Museum has occupied more than half my life. Without reservation, and with unanimous AVAM Board and staff accord, I have the utmost peace and joy in our rightful selection of Jenenne Whitfield as my successor.”

About the AVAM

The American Visionary Art Museum—a Congressionally-designated national museum and education center dedicated to showcasing intuitive, self-taught artistry and thought—welcomes only its second director in its 30+-year history with the appointment of Jenenne Whitfield by the Board of Directors to succeed Founder, Director and Primary Curator Rebecca Alban Hoffberger.  Ms. Whitfield was previously the President & CEO of The Heidelberg Project and worked with the Detroit-based outdoor artistic organization for 28 years. Ms. Whitfield formally takes-up her new role with AVAM in September, 2022.

Interview conducted in October 2022.

The Truth In This Art, hosted by Rob Lee, explores contemporary art and cultural preservation through candid conversations with artists, curators, and cultural leaders about their work, creative processes and the thinking that goes into their creativity. Rob also occasionally interviews creatives in other industries such as acting, music, and journalism. The Truth In This Art is a podcast for artists, art lovers and listeners interested in the creative process.

To support the The Truth In This Art: Buy Me fi.com/D1D81J7MZ">Ko-fiUse the hashtag #thetruthinthisartFollow The Truth in This Art on InstagramLeave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

THE TRUTH IN THIS ART IS SUPPORTED IN PART BY

The Gutierrez Memorial Fund

The Robert W. Deutsch Foundation

Creators & Guests fi.com/D1D81J7MZ" title="★ Support this podcast ★">★ Support this podcast ★
In this episode of The Truth In This Art, Rob Lee interviews Jenenne Whitfield, director of The American Visionary Art Museum,The museum specializes in the preservation and display of outsider art and self taught artists, and they discuss Jenenne's career in the arts and vision for The AVAM.

Jenenne Whitfield became president of The Heidelberg Project in 2017. Under her direction, The Heidelberg Project (founded by Tyree Guyton) has risen to international prominence and is currently recognized as one of the most influential art environments in the world. Her leadership and commitment have enabled the project to extend its reach by participating in joint projects with museums, universities and other organizations throughout the world. Together, Whitfield and Guyton coined and trademarked the idiom, Heidelberg-ology, defined as the study of discarded materials incorporated into the fabric and structure of an urban community and the effects on that community. Under Whitfield’s leadership, the work of the HP spans six continents and has collected over 27 awards, locally, nationally and internationally.

In addition to her role as executive director of The Heidelberg Project, Whitfield lectures regularly, has taught courses at Wayne State University and the University of Michigan on art as a social practice, and serves as a mentor to the next generation of art thinkers and activists.  She is also co-founder of a new art collective in Detroit called United Artists of Detroit (UAD).

Rebecca Alban Hoffberger stated: “From idea to sustained fruition, the American Visionary Art Museum has occupied more than half my life. Without reservation, and with unanimous AVAM Board and staff accord, I have the utmost peace and joy in our rightful selection of Jenenne Whitfield as my successor.”

About the AVAM

The American Visionary Art Museum—a Congressionally-designated national museum and education center dedicated to showcasing intuitive, self-taught artistry and thought—welcomes only its second director in its 30+-year history with the appointment of Jenenne Whitfield by the Board of Directors to succeed Founder, Director and Primary Curator Rebecca Alban Hoffberger.  Ms. Whitfield was previously the President & CEO of The Heidelberg Project and worked with the Detroit-based outdoor artistic organization for 28 years. Ms. Whitfield formally takes-up her new role with AVAM in September, 2022.

Interview conducted in October 2022.

The Truth In This Art, hosted by Rob Lee, explores contemporary art and cultural preservation through candid conversations with artists, curators, and cultural leaders about their work, creative processes and the thinking that goes into their creativity. Rob also occasionally interviews creatives in other industries such as acting, music, and journalism. The Truth In This Art is a podcast for artists, art lovers and listeners interested in the creative process.

To support the The Truth In This Art: Buy Me fi.com/D1D81J7MZ">Ko-fiUse the hashtag #thetruthinthisartFollow The Truth in This Art on InstagramLeave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

THE TRUTH IN THIS ART IS SUPPORTED IN PART BY

The Gutierrez Memorial Fund

The Robert W. Deutsch Foundation

Creators & Guests fi.com/D1D81J7MZ" title="★ Support this podcast ★">★ Support this podcast ★

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