By Rebecca Marx
On the eve of a Public Functionary “Takeover” event (12/19), its Director/Curator Tricia Khutoretsky, gave Rift the low down on how Public Functionary actively works to cultivate a multi-dimensional relationship with its community.
Rift: Who puts the “public” in Public Functionary?
TK: Anyone and everyone who visits the gallery! A driving force behind Public Functionary as an art space is a serious commitment to inclusivity to cultivate a welcoming space for the public. We find that art spaces are decidedly “artist” driven. A lot of the art world seems to have the sort of attitude that art deserves attention, simply because it is art. Our philosophy instead embraces the fact that if we expect an audience to be engaged with our exhibition space and the artists that show here, they might also want to feel like they belong there or have ownership of the space in some way. We like to consider our choices for the programming and exhibitions as public-driven. The end goal is greater investment in artists and art in our community, but we feel the path towards that goal is more focus on the audience connection to that goal. Essentially, the space could promote art and artists until we exhaust ourselves (and we do!), but without public support and by-in, we’ll get nowhere.
Rift: How did the Takeover events come about?
TK: Takeover events started our first year (2012) with the LA based artist, Patrick Martinez’s exhibit, “Buy Now Cry Later.” We painted the walls these crazy vibrant yellow, pink, blue and green colors to serve as a backdrop for Patrick’s bright neon works. The space was so dynamic that we started to think of the exhibit more as an environment, and it seemed to call for music and dancing and other activity to happen within it. So during that exhibit we invited different creative groups with unique communities to takeover, or curate, the programming for what we were establishing as late night gallery hours on Friday nights (this year we’ve moved it to Saturdays). We invited Face Forward, Rhymesayers and Letoile Magazine to host PF Takeovers. In the end it was so much fun, and we saw the effect of opening up the space in that way. New audiences seem to engage deeply with the art at a Takeover, the experience is more relaxed when it is hosted by people they are directly connected to. I like to say that they get access to the exhibition “on their own terms” but the hope is after that experience they feel welcome enough to come back.
Rift: Are there any parameters on what, or who can “takeover” the space?
TK: We think of Takeovers as collaborations. So we do look for Takeover partners who share the philosophy of diversity and inclusion, we also like to be excited about the work that they do. As much as possible, we’re looking for partners that reach beyond our regular community, as Takeovers really expose new people to the space. Our Takeover events have been one of our most successful community building efforts. “Giving up” our space, putting trust in our partners leads to strong reciprocal relationships. It’s most important that our Takeover partners are respectful of the artist who’s work is currently showing in the space and curate an event that enhances rather than distracts from what is being exhibited.
Rift: When you’re approached for a Takeover event, do you consider the art installation; in other words, do the two need to compliment one another?
TK: It ranges, sometimes the Takeover events are a perfect compliment to what is being shown on the walls thematically, sometimes the connection is loose. Personally, I prefer when there is a disconnect. One of the things that I feel limits art galleries is that they try to program too deliberately and specifically. In that way, options are limited and good ideas get overlooked because they don’t “fit.” People are complex and have diverse interests. I think the mash-up of two opposite things in the same space often leads to the most interesting experiences. It can perpetuate a sense of openness and allows for more authentic connections to occur rather than those that are forced or overly planned.
Rift: Public Functionary is known for being an art gallery, how does music fit into its mission?
TK: We are known for being an art gallery, but we do describe ourselves as an “exhibition and social space.” For us, music just as much a part of the PF social experience as visual art. We have a lot of support from the local music community, particularly because we listen to their ideas and incorporate them into the programming at PF on a regular basis. We’re aware of how many musicians in this city are visual artists and how many are also deeply inspired by visual art. So we take a multi-disciplinary approach, appealing to the many sides of the creative community here. It should be known that you can come to PF for great music just as much as coming here for great art. We also have a resident DJ, Sarah White, who has worked with us from the beginning. She’s helped shape the vibe of the space by providing a consistent in-gallery music experience, and recommending musicians and collaborations that would be great for PF. My co-director Mike Bishop stays connected to the local music community and also has great music taste and an eye on emerging talent.
Rift: The current installation (Meridians by Liza Sylvestre) is an exploration of how we perceive the world through our senses by a mixed media artist, whom experienced a profound loss of hearing as a child. If you had to experience the world through just one sense, which one would it be and why?
TK: Such a hard question, and it makes me reflect on how privileged I am to have all my senses! I think I would have to chose sight. Even if that would mean I couldn’t hear music, I’ll accept that I’m a visually driven person. I couldn’t give up the experience of seeing colors, the ocean, sunsets and people’s facial expressions and art! I couldn’t do what I do without my sense of sight. Ugh, but never hearing music?! I don’t know… I’ll just say I’m so grateful I don’t have to chose.
Rift: On December 19th, Meridians and Public Functionary will be taken over by Pledge Empire Records feat. Ced Linus & The Friendly Beers, Bae Tigre, Warehouse Eyes and Beasthead. Can you think of a better night than grooving to music while being immersed in a beautiful art installation?
TK: Absolutely looking forward to it!
Event details “Public Funktionary” Takeover 12/19
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