American Academy of Arts and Letters Reinvents Itself with Experimental Fall Program
The American Academy of Arts and Letters, a private institution in Manhattan established 120 years ago, is transforming into a vibrant art venue. Its autumn schedule will showcase "The Game," an exhibition set to launch on September 26, 2026, featuring artists Christopher Williams, Monika Baer, Aria Dean, and Abraham Cruzvillegas, each awarded $30,000 for their installations. This exhibition will present two-month-long installations, marking a transition towards multidisciplinary approaches. Founded in 1898, the Academy boasts lifetime members such as Duke Ellington and Toni Morrison. Following curator Souhad Rafey's retirement in 2021, discussions among members prompted changes. Chief curator Jenny Jaskey has also introduced new initiatives, including Raven Chacon's "Aviary" and Jonathan González's "Spectral Dances" in 2024.
Key facts
- The American Academy of Arts and Letters was founded in 1898 as the National Institute of Arts and Letters.
- "The Game" opens on September 26, 2026, as part of the Academy's fall program.
- Participating artists Christopher Williams, Monika Baer, Aria Dean, and Abraham Cruzvillegas each receive around $30,000 and a three-day installation period.
- The exhibition requires each artist to retain at least two objects from the previous installment.
- Jenny Jaskey became chief curator and program director in 2022, after Souhad Rafey retired in 2021.
- Raven Chacon's "Aviary" was installed in 2024 and ran for 10 months.
- Jonathan González's "Spectral Dances" featured six Black performers in 2024.
- The Academy has 300 membership slots, with members elected for life and paying no dues.
Entities
Artists
- Christopher Williams
- Monika Baer
- Aria Dean
- Abraham Cruzvillegas
- Jenny Jaskey
- Ann Hamilton
- Raven Chacon
- Jonathan González
- Duke Ellington
- Georgia O'Keeffe
- Toni Morrison
- Frank Lloyd Wright
- Jonathan Franzen
- Arthur Jafa
- Meredith Monk
- Charles Gaines
- Mel Chin
- Joan Jonas
- Amy Sillman
- John James Audubon
- Souhad Rafey
- Rena Anakwe
- Chazz Giovanni
- Katrina Reid
- Wayne Arthur
- Kris Lee
- Maria Baranova
- Ahmed Gaber
- Charles Benton
Institutions
- American Academy of Arts and Letters
- National Institute of Arts and Letters
- Artist's Institute at Hunter College
- CULTURED
Locations
- New York
- United States
- Manhattan
- Lenape