Jessica Bell Brown

Curator, writer, and executive director of the ICA at VCU Jessica Bell Brown returns to reflect on her evolving leadership at the Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University. In this conversation, we talk about openness as a strategy, the role of listening in shaping institutions, and what it means to make space for experimentation in times of uncertainty.Jessica shares how porosity, risk, and care shape her curatorial and executive approach—from expanding access beyond traditional art forms to launching chef residencies and community media programs at the ICA. We discuss the influence of her time at MoMA and the Baltimore Museum of Art, the power of contemporary art to respond to crisis, and why joy and curiosity remain central to her vision.Topics Covered:What leadership looks like through the lens of listeningExpanding access to arts beyond galleries and into kitchens and podcastsNavigating risk and limitation in an age of shrinking arts fundingThe evolving responsibility of cultural institutionsThe importance of reflection, care, and creative openness🎧 Explore more conversations like this in our archive. 📍 ICA VCU Website: https://icavcu.org

Welcome aboard 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, under the guidance of your host, Rob Lee. On today’s episode, we have Jessica Bell Brown, the Curator and Department Head for Contemporary Art at the Baltimore Museum of Art, who is renowned for her exceptional exhibition projects. With an impressive portfolio, including "How Do We Know The World?" and "A Movement In Every Direction: Legacies of the Great Migration," co-organized with the Mississippi Museum of Art, she continues to shape the art landscape. Having held influential positions at esteemed institutions like the Museum of Modern Art and the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Jessica's expertise shines through her thought-provoking exhibitions and insightful writings featured in notable publications.About A Movement in Every Direction: Legacies of the Great MigrationThe Great Migration (1915–1970) saw more than six million African Americans leave the South for destinations across the United States. This incredible dispersal of people across the country transformed nearly every aspect of Black life and culture. A Movement in Every Direction: Legacies of the Great Migration explores the ways in which its impact reverberates today through newly commissioned works across media by 12 acclaimed Black artists, including Akea Brionne, Mark Bradford,  Zoë Charlton, Larry W. Cook, Torkwase Dyson, Theaster Gates Jr., Allison Janae Hamilton, Leslie Hewitt, Steffani Jemison, Robert Pruitt, Jamea Richmond-Edwards, and Carrie Mae Weems.The exhibition is co-curated by Jessica Bell Brown, Curator and Department Head of Contemporary Art at the BMA and Ryan N. Dennis, Chief Curator and Artistic Director of the Center for Art & Public Exchange (CAPE) at the Mississippi Museum of Art.The exhibition is co-organized by the Mississippi Museum of Art and the Baltimore Museum of Art.This exhibition is supported by a grant from the Ford Foundation.In this podcast:Join us in unraveling the layers of "A Movement in Every Direction: Legacies of the Great Migration," as we dive into how this exhibition sheds light on the profound impact of the Great Migration on both artists and communities.Step into the world of artistry and diversity with us, as we explore the dynamic perspectives of twelve artists showcased in the exhibition, each contributing unique viewpoints to the rich tapestry of the Great Migration's legacy.Immerse yourself in a multi-sensory experience on this podcast episode, where we delve into how the curators ingeniously blended sound, sight, and taste to create a fully immersive journey within the exhibition.Uncover the power of representation and storytelling as we discuss how "A Movement in Every Direction" uplifts the resilience and vibrancy of Black communities while underscoring the significance of depicting their stories in the narrative of the Great Migration.Join us in unwrapping the treasure trove of historical insight within the exhibition's published catalogs, published in collaboration with Yale University Press, providing an enriched context and archival research related to the transformative era of the Great Migration.Jessica discusses her background and journey into art curation, as well as her recent exhibition project, "A Movement in Every Direction: Legacies of the Great Migration." Jessica shares the inspiration behind the exhibition and the process of curating and organizing it with her co-curator, Ryan Dennis. She highlights the importance of storytelling, community, and representation in the exhibition, which features the work of twelve artists exploring the impact of the Great Migration. Jessica also discusses some of the surprises and powerful moments she experienced while working on the exhibition.Mentioned in this episode:A Movement in Every Direction: Legacies of the Great MigrationPhoto by Christopher Myers🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧