In September 2024, Getty will unveil the third iteration of its sprawling arts project, formerly known as Pacific Standard Time, now rebranded as "PST Art: Art & Science Collide." This ambitious endeavor is set to bring together various cultural, educational, scientific, community, and arts organizations from across Southern California, resulting in an array of engaging exhibitions and programs.
Unveiling a Collaborative Endeavor
The heart of this extraordinary project lies in its collaborative nature. With over 60 exhibitions and more than 800 artists, "PST Art: Art & Science Collide" explores a plethora of fascinating topics, including ancient cosmology, artificial intelligence, Indigenous science fiction, and environmental justice. This five-month-long event aims to provide visitors with a diverse range of viewpoints under one overarching theme, fostering a deeper understanding of art’s intersection with science.
Joan Weinstein, the Director of Getty Foundation, emphasizes the significance of this collaboration: "If you just had one or two museums doing exhibitions on any one of these topics, it just would not add up to what it is when an entire community comes together and tackles it."
Community-Driven Programming
Community is the driving force behind the programming for "PST Art: Art & Science Collide." Organizers aim to set up an inclusive space where there’s something to appeal to a vast array of differing interests and tastes. Katherine E. Fleming, the President and CEO of the J. Paul Getty Trust, highlights the collaborative nature of the Southern California arts scene: "This project elicits this incredible interest amongst the organizations in what everyone else is doing, and how to work together."
To strengthen this sense of togetherness, community hubs established by three organizations—La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, LA Commons, and the Lancaster Museum of Art and History—will play a pivotal role in bringing programming to various neighborhoods. These hubs will actively engage grassroots organizations, public agencies, schools, and young people in creating and presenting their own art and science programs.
A Focus on Climate Change and Optimism
The programming for 2024’s "PST Art: Art & Science Collide" is particularly notable for its emphasis on climate change. With many participants showing interest in futurism rooted in tradition or indigeneity, there’s a strong focus on "looking to the future by looking back."
Despite the contentious nature of climate change discussions, most participants approach the theme with optimism and ideas for creating a more sustainable future. For instance, the Huntington will host a youth summit on sustainability and climate change, gathering high school students to brainstorm solutions to the climate crisis and environmental degradation.
Celebrating Octavia E. Butler and Afrofuturism
The late Mother of Afrofuturism, Octavia E. Butler, will play a significant role in next year’s proceedings. LACMA’s Art + Technology Lab is producing “The Monophobic Response,” a performance by American Artist, which draws inspiration from Butler’s work. The performance includes a rocket engine test from 1936, linking it to contemporary issues and Afrofuturist ideas. The New Children’s Museum in San Diego is also programming around Octavia Butler, emphasizing the enduring influence of her work.
A "Festival of Festivals"
Getty labels "PST Art: Art & Science Collide" as a "festival of festivals," and it is set to include a free three-day PST Art x Science Family Festival in November 2024, in collaboration with Edinburgh Science. This outdoor festival will offer hands-on workshops, demonstrations, performances, music, and food tailored for families and children aged 4 to 14.
Public participation is integral to much of the programming. The Music Center, for example, will host "The Gift," described as "a meditation on astrophysics." This event involves turning the outdoor plaza into a "reading room" with live music and digital presentations that shed light on astrophysics through storytelling.
In the intersection of art and science, "PST Art: Art & Science Collide" demonstrates how these two realms combine to address the pressing questions of our complex modern age. The Getty’s $19 million investment in this project promises a rich tapestry of exhibitions and experiences that will leave a lasting impact on Southern California’s cultural landscape.
PST Art 2024: Unraveling the Thematic Threads
How much did Getty invest in 2024’s PST Art?
- In 2024, Getty’s investment in PST Art amounted to a substantial $19 million.
What is PST Art?
- PST Art, previously known as Pacific Standard Time, is Getty’s innovative initiative that delves into the collaborative efforts of scientists and artists. This project seeks to address the most pressing issues of our era by bridging the worlds of art and science.
What is on display at the Getty Museum?
- The Getty Museum boasts a diverse array of exhibitions that span various eras. Visitors can explore a wide range of works, from medieval Islamic illustrated books to Mesoamerican ceramics and textiles, and even ancient Aboriginal drawings. Additionally, the museum offers presentations in contemporary art forms, such as films, videos, computer art, and artificial intelligence technology. The Getty has categorized these exhibitions into eight distinct themes, offering a rich and varied experience for art enthusiasts.
How much did the Getty Foundation invest in a new project?
- The Getty Foundation dedicated significant funding to support new initiatives, with a substantial investment of $11.4 million and $16.3 million for these respective projects. This generous support contributes to the realization of innovative artistic presentations, exemplified by works like Carolina Caycedo’s “Fuel to Fire” as part of the Vincent Price Art Museum’s PST Art exhibition, "We Place Life at the Center."
What is PST Getty?
- PST Getty, known as Pacific Standard Time, is an initiative led by the Getty organization. It is further fortified by Foundation grants provided to various cultural organizations throughout Southern California. The latest iteration of PST involved collaboration with over 50 cultural and educational organizations in the region. For a comprehensive list of partners, you can refer to the grants awarded.
What is Pacific Standard Time Art in Los Angeles?
- Pacific Standard Time: Art in L.A., 1945–1980 represents a scholarly initiative, financially supported by the J. Paul Getty Trust. Its primary aim is to provide a historical perspective on the significant contributions made by artists, curators, critics, and other creative individuals based in Los Angeles to the realm of contemporary art history.
