Today we’d like to introduce you to Samuel Vasquez.
Hi Samuel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in California and have lived nowhere else. I was both lucky and unlucky to lose both my parents at a young age, but thankfully, I had a large family that raised me. Being the youngest of seven siblings, I was always cared for by many individuals—it truly does take a community. This upbringing helped develop my people skills and helped me acquire what I needed (aka wanted).
Therefore, it is no surprise that my professional experience has all been in museum fundraising, an industry that is about personalities, characters, and politics!
Upon graduating from UCLA with a BA in Political Science, I formed a collective with four friends, and we opened up a performance art space called Eighteen-thirty. It was located on Sunset Boulevard next to the Echo. This taught me how to do a little of all things related to hosting performances in a public space – things from marketing, audience development, fundraising, artist relations, etc. All in a punk-like creative DIY atmosphere.
This experience landed me in my first professional position at The Museum of Contemporary Art. Here, I learned true museum fundraising and the important work that curators do for exhibitions. I worked with great curators such as Paul Schimmel, Ann Goldstein, and Connie Butler. It was here that I oversaw the success of its 30th-anniversary gala, the largest fundraising event in its history. From there, I joined a leadership role at the Hammer Museum during the launch of Made in L.A. 2012 and Free Admission. Truly formative years in learning the art of refinement and audience engagement at a wonderful civic museum. I then had the honor of joining the founding team to help manage the opening of the Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (ICA LA) in 2017, formerly the Santa Monica Museum of Art. It was here, as Deputy Director, that I introduced new fundraising approaches centered around community building, social inclusion, and mission-driven programming. Once that was up and running, I was called back to MOCA to serve as their Deputy Director, Advancement at The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and helped to establish the museum’s performance program, Wonmi’s Warehouse Programs, and the Environmental Council, a first of its kind in the U.S.
I often wondered where my career was heading, and it wasn’t until last year that it all started to make sense. I left MOCA in 2023 to pursue a vision and dream of establishing a performance art museum. And that’s where we are today! I am currently the director of the (forthcoming) Performance Art Museum, a new nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the visibility, legacy, and scholarship of artists working in performance.
I care deeply about performance art. It’s the one art form that centers the present moment of our existence. It’s a creative meditation on being and endless possibilities for experience. There is a communal need to support artists working in performance, as we have lost so many DIY and independent spaces where performance happens. I look forward to uplifting and expanding the ecosystem of performance art around the world.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Navigating numerous hurdles began with my upbringing as an orphan of immigrant parents (I was born here in the US). Raised by my young siblings, we faced the challenge of adapting swiftly to life in a foreign country. As the first in my extended family to pursue higher education, the journey was particularly daunting.
Venturing into the art world proved equally intimidating, considering my lack of exposure to art during my upbringing. However, it has since evolved into my primary passion, fascination, and profession—especially within the realm of fundraising and institution building. As one of the few fundraisers of color specializing in contemporary museum contexts in the US, the path has been uniquely challenging and interesting.
Transitioning into Performance Art has presented its own distinct obstacles. The field suffers from a dearth of infrastructure and support for artists working in performance. Thus, I recognize the considerable journey ahead of me in cultivating donors and advocates for this dynamic art form.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a museum professional and have dedicated my entire career to this field. My expertise lies in fundraising, audience development, and fostering enthusiasm for the arts. I derive immense satisfaction from introducing individuals to the art world and guiding them through its intricacies. Whether it’s assisting new donors in supporting museums, aiding artists in finding suitable opportunities or establishing a vibrant young Latino/Latina group to engage them in the arts, I’m passionate about fostering support for the arts and artists.
I take great pride in the work I’ve accomplished across various museums I’ve been associated with. Along the journey, there have been numerous achievements that I cherish, such as the Environmental Council at MOCA or having the ICA LA be the first fully solar-powered museum in the US, and I remain steadfastly committed to supporting artists and their creative visions, firmly believing in the transformative power of art. My life is a testament to this belief, as art has profoundly impacted and enriched my existence.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I love nature. My favorite pastime is going camping or riding long bikes alone. It resets me. Also, I’ve been known to do a few performance art pieces…not seen by many, but by some. lol
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pamuseum.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamuseum_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Performance-Art-Museum/61556751717008/
Image Credits
Headshot: Fabian Guerrero
Samuel Vasquez
