Christian Ramírez takes on Phoenix Art Museum’s (phxart.org) new role as assistant curator of contemporary and community art initiatives—the first of its kind in the museum’s history that will focus on creating meaningful programs and exhibitions to elevate artists working in Arizona. “I’m thrilled at the opportunity to collaborate with, support and strengthen ties to Arizona and Southwest artists, building upon the foundation created by the museum over its history, particularly through curatorial initiatives, arts-engagement programming and education efforts,” says Ramírez, who recently served as the artist-residency and exhibition manager at Artpace in San Antonio, and previously as the public programs manager at Phoenix Art Museum, from 2018 to 2021. Here, she reflects on the path that led her to this role, and what she looks forward to next.
Phoenix Art Museum has a welcoming and playful entry. PHOTO COURTESY OF PHOENIX ART MUSEUM
What were some of the steppingstones that helped you prepare for this position? I was actually an intern at Phoenix Art Museum in the curatorial department with Becky Senf, the chief curator at the Center for Creative Photography and interim Norton Family Curator at the Museum. Under her guidance, I learned about the structure of museums and all the components needed to bring an exhibition to life.
Looking back on your time at Phoenix Art Museum, what accomplishments are you most proud of when working with this team? I am new to the curatorial team, but prior to this position, I was the public programs manager. With the help of my colleagues in the education department, I produced a series of sold-out lectures to complement the special-engagement exhibition Teotihuacan: City of Water, City of Fire, which included the first Spanish-language lecture in the museum’s history.
Gloria Martinez-Granados, The Uncertainty of Higher Education (2022, lithography); both installation views of 2021 Lehmann Emerging Artist Awards Exhibition, on display at the Phoenix Art Museum. ARTWORK PHOTO BY AIRI KATSUTA
What is one story or special moment you experienced while working at Phoenix Art Museum that sticks out to you the most? In my previous role as public programs manager, I managed the Arts Engagement Program, which was a nationally renowned program that brought seniors living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and their care partners to the museum to view and create artwork. This program really highlighted how art can help us connect with one another and build community.
Christian Ramírez, Phoenix Art Museum’s inaugural assistant curator of contemporary and community art initiatives PORTRAIT BY JENELLE ESPARZA
What are you most excited about when taking on this new role? I am excited to expand the impact and programming around the Arlene and Morton Scult Artist Award and the Sally and Richard Lehmann Emerging Artist Awards. They are great opportunities to highlight artists living here in Arizona.
Sam Frésquez and Merryn Omotayo Alaka, Kanekalon Forest (2022, Kanekalon hair and clamps, steel, wire) ARTWORK PHOTO BY AIRI KATSUTA
What upcoming exhibitions are of note? I am particularly excited about our forthcoming exhibition, Guarding the Art. It is an initiative started by the Baltimore Museum of Art in 2022 that invites security officers and gallery attendants—along with other frontline staff from the museum’s visitor services, facilities, retail services and event rentals teams—to become guest curators.
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