I am Jesse Bandler Firestone, a curator, producer, and writer specializing in contemporary art.
I have held curatorial positions at a diverse range of institutions, including The Shed, Montclair State University, Wave Hill Public Garden and Cultural Center, and Satellite Art Show, as well as various artist-run spaces and nonprofits. My research spans conceptual art, emerging trends, art made by people who identify as LGBTQ+, institutional critique, and exhibition-making as a form of social practice. As a curator, I am committed to broadening artist rosters by incorporating intergenerational perspectives and amplifying diverse, often underrepresented voices. This includes artists who identify as LGBTQ+, BIPOC, as well as individuals with disabilities, neurodivergence, and chronic pain. The programs I have curated and the policies I have introduced reflect the needs and experiences of the artists and audiences I serve.
In addition, I have acted as an advisor for biennials, private collections, and corporate art programs. I have also produced over 70 commissions, ranging from installations to opera, and have lectured at various universities and institutions, including Harvard and Pratt. My writing has appeared in numerous catalogs and publications, such as Sculpture Magazine, The Brooklyn Rail, and Slate.
I hold degrees from Washington University in St. Louis and the School of Visual Arts.
Commissions
Bespoke projects and collaborations
Performance
Dance, music, and live arts
Writing
Published thoughts
Programs
Talks, workshops, etc