050: The Power & Impact of Art with Andrew Utt of ICA San Diego

In our 50th episode, I have a wonderful conversation with Andrew Utt, the Executive Director of the Institute of Contemporary Art in San Diego. We talk about the importance of art within culture, its ability to connect people and communities, and how it can expand perspectives. Andrew also shares more about his journey with art and how he became part of ICA. Hear how the organization has grown and changed in just the last couple years, and what they’re working toward next.

Guest Bio

Andrew Utt is the Executive Director of the Institute of Contemporary Art, San Diego and is a curator, arts administrator, and educator with a bachelor’s degree from the California College of Arts and Crafts and a master’s degree in Museum Studies from Harvard University. For the past 20 years, he has worked in the arts with museums and galleries based in California, Argentina, and Colombia. He has managed and developed art educational programs, exhibitions, fundraisers, marketing initiatives, and digital advances in different languages and cultures throughout North and South America, Europe, Africa, and New Zealand. In San Diego, he has worked with the Mingei International Museum, the San Diego Art Institute, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, while in the Bay Area, he has worked with the Museum of Craft & Design, the Natural World Museum, and Art Works for Change. In 2009, he co-curated VIBA Festival, an international video art festival in Buenos Aires, Argentina along with an installation at the Eva Peron Museum. In 2010, he co-founded and directed Galería MÜ in Bogotá, the first gallery dedicated solely to fine-art photography in Colombia. In 2019, Andrew joined the Lux Art Institute as Executive Director and engaged in a merger of Lux and the San Diego Art Institute to create the ICA San Diego, where he maintains the position as Executive Director. Andrew’s artistic interest areas focus on alternative photographic processes, video art, and contemporary art from the Americas. He currently lives in San Diego with his wife and daughter.

Featured in this episode

Featured candle: Beeswax candle from Mithras Candle

Featured Tarot deck: Radiant Crystal Cards by Bouchette Design

Connect with Andrew & ICA

Links:

ICA Website

ICA Instagram

Andrew’s Instagram

The ICA’s new season launches September 9th with a special celebration! Learn more and RSVP here.

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