NULC Insider Series with Lisa Corrin
Ellen Philips Katz Director of The Block Museum of Art at Northwestern
February 2020
Lisa Corrin sits down with Jamie Strait Muller ’98, an executive director in Northwestern’s Alumni Relations and Development department and a Medill-educated journalist, to give an Insider’s perspective on why university museums are important, how exhibitions are curated, and The Block’s impact across campus, the country, and the world.
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Part 1 of 6
The Role of a University Art Museum
The Block Museum of Art brings together students, staff, and faculty from every discipline. Watch as Corrin shares how this museum encourages the university community to think outside their comfort zones, connect to the creative process, and ask big questions about the world.
Part 2 of 6
Corrin says The Block sets itself apart from other museums by drawing on the notable legacy of Northwestern. Find out how artists, computer scientists, medical students, and sound engineers came together during the curation of Paint the Eyes Softer: Mummy Portraits from Ancient Egypt.
Part 3 of 6
According to Corrin, The Block looks for opportunities to bring Northwestern’s schools and campuses together. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the exhibit Caravans of Gold, Fragments in Time and discover how global partnerships contributed to its success.
Part 4 of 6
Corrin says she and her staff consider many different factors when choosing new works for The Block. While curriculum, research, and global perspectives drive some decisions, Corrin shares how a collection found in the University Libraries’ archive inspired one of their most celebrated exhibitions.
Part 5 of 6
In the fall of 2020, The Block will celebrate the 40th anniversary of its opening. At that time, Corrin says a new exhibition will open, featuring works that get people to think about history. Find out how the museum’s collection has evolved over the decades.
Part 6 of 6
Corrin reveals how The Block measures its success one student at a time. Plus, get an exclusive overview of the exhibitions coming to the Evanston campus and find out how students will contribute in a unique way.