Participants can expect two days of conversation, connection, and collective learning centered around art, Indigenous knowledge systems, relational caretaking, and institutional transformation.

The convening will open on Monday, October 12 at 5:00 PM with an evening keynote presentation by heather ahtone, PhD, followed by a reception with light bites, offering opportunities to gather, meet speakers and fellow participants.

Tuesday, October 13 will include breakfast, five panel conversations featuring artists, scholars, curators, cultural leaders, and community practitioners, as well as a shared lunch and afternoon refreshments. Sessions will explore themes of sovereignty, stewardship, public memory, community engagement, environmental justice, and the evolving role of cultural institutions within public life.

Throughout the convening, participants will have opportunities for dialogue, reflection, and relationship-building across disciplines, communities, and lived experiences. The museum and WAM Shop will also be open during the convening, open to the public and convening-attendees from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, with guided tours of WAM's new exhibition, 'Merciless': Indigenous Lands Since 1776, and art-making activities in Open Studio.

Convening Schedule & Additional Details

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. This project is also supported in part by an award from the Terra Foundation for American Art and The University of Minnesota Imagine Fund. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through an Operating Support grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. Additional general operating support is generously provided by Ameriprise Financial.