Transforming How We Think About Our Future
A message from Mark Bessire, JUDY AND LEONARD LAUDER DIRECTOR
We often speak of young people in terms of “potential.” While it’s certain that our youth have years of education, experience, and growth ahead of them, they’re also making thoughtful and invaluable contributions to our communities now, and it’s important for all of us to realize that we need them—especially now. We need their leadership. We need to listen to them, enable them, and provide platforms and opportunities for them to share their voices.
Improving the PMA’s outreach to younger communities has been an intentional choice, to strengthen the museum and our region. In April 2018, we introduced the Susie Konkel Pass, which gave everyone ages 21 and under free, unlimited admission to the museum. We knew at the time what a big step this was for the PMA in advancing our mission of being an open and accessible museum for all, but we had no idea how the Susie Konkel Pass would transform the museum in so many other ways.
In the first year alone, more than 1,000 young people used the Pass to access the PMA, and this fresh infusion of a diverse and engaged young audience challenged us to rethink how we present exhibitions, how we talk—and listen—to our community, and how we engage with other organizations. All visitors are sure to notice some of these changes in the programs we are hosting, the art we are showing, and the ways in which we are talking about it. By welcoming young people through our doors and into the PMA, they have made their values ours.
We’ve also been inspired by working closely with our Homer High School Fellows, as they have made deep and meaningful contributions to our approach to education and programming, including within the PMA collection, out at the Winslow Homer Studio and onsite at events such as Teen Night. They are eager to learn other people’s perspectives, and are brave and inventive in the ways in which they share their own. We are a stronger institution because of their intellect, curiosity, humor, tolerance, and openness.
Additionally, just before we were forced to temporarily close due to the spread of the Covid-19 virus, we had launched an incredible new partnership with Portland Public Schools, and had just installed the annual Youth Art Month exhibition in our Lower Ground Floor gallery. We have extended Youth Art Month so it will still be on view for several months after we reopen, and we hope you can see for yourselves the wide array of voices and interests in young people throughout the entire state.
Although the high school and college classes of 2020 are graduating into a world marked by a health crisis, economic uncertainty, and deep division, their tolerance, curiosity, and engagement points to a stronger future. As our younger generations grow, we will to continue to grow because of them. Our young people have transformed how we think about the future—not just the future of the PMA, but also that of our society, and with their lead, we are confident that our shared futures will be bright.
Mark H. C. Bessire
Judy and Leonard Lauder Director