Cornelia Stokes: Weaving a Unique Narrative Across Two Museums
In an ambitious move, the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) have appointed Cornelia Stokes as their inaugural Assistant Curator of the Art of the African Diaspora. This joint position is poised to challenge traditional notions of curatorial collaboration, with Stokes serving as a bridge between these two distinct institutions.
In an exclusive conversation, we discussed Stokes' unique role and her vision for this ambitious project. "I was captivated by the intentionality and collaborative spirit of the position," she reflects on how she came to take on this role. Her primary focus is on creating a framework that supports long-term curatorial thinking, scholarship, and public engagement.
Stokes identifies MoAD as an institution with the agility to respond to programming needs, while SFMOMA offers its vast resources and global presence. However, her goal is not to merge their identities but rather to share influence, knowledge, and resources without erasing differences.
Throughout her career, Stokes has honed her skills through various experiences. As the founder of Emblazon Arts LLC, a curatorial practice that supports artists and institutions, she has developed expertise in rigorous research, flexible programming, and infrastructure building. Her tenure as a research assistant for artist Amy Sherald reinforced the importance of deep research, compassion, and patience.
In this role, Stokes faces significant challenges, including diversifying SFMOMA's collection without redefining value, ownership, and art historical narratives. To overcome these hurdles, she is committed to entering existing dialogues and fostering meaningful collaborations between artists, institutions, and audiences.
Stokes' three-year tenure will be marked by the success of her collaboration with both MoAD and SFMOMA. She defines success as expanding possibilities for institutions, artists, and audiences, while maintaining thoughtful, ethical, and generative practices.
As Stokes embarks on this pivotal role, she is poised to challenge conventional curatorial norms, forging a new path that celebrates the complexities of the African Diaspora. Her dedication to weaving narratives across two museums promises to create a lasting impact in the art world.
In an ambitious move, the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) have appointed Cornelia Stokes as their inaugural Assistant Curator of the Art of the African Diaspora. This joint position is poised to challenge traditional notions of curatorial collaboration, with Stokes serving as a bridge between these two distinct institutions.
In an exclusive conversation, we discussed Stokes' unique role and her vision for this ambitious project. "I was captivated by the intentionality and collaborative spirit of the position," she reflects on how she came to take on this role. Her primary focus is on creating a framework that supports long-term curatorial thinking, scholarship, and public engagement.
Stokes identifies MoAD as an institution with the agility to respond to programming needs, while SFMOMA offers its vast resources and global presence. However, her goal is not to merge their identities but rather to share influence, knowledge, and resources without erasing differences.
Throughout her career, Stokes has honed her skills through various experiences. As the founder of Emblazon Arts LLC, a curatorial practice that supports artists and institutions, she has developed expertise in rigorous research, flexible programming, and infrastructure building. Her tenure as a research assistant for artist Amy Sherald reinforced the importance of deep research, compassion, and patience.
In this role, Stokes faces significant challenges, including diversifying SFMOMA's collection without redefining value, ownership, and art historical narratives. To overcome these hurdles, she is committed to entering existing dialogues and fostering meaningful collaborations between artists, institutions, and audiences.
Stokes' three-year tenure will be marked by the success of her collaboration with both MoAD and SFMOMA. She defines success as expanding possibilities for institutions, artists, and audiences, while maintaining thoughtful, ethical, and generative practices.
As Stokes embarks on this pivotal role, she is poised to challenge conventional curatorial norms, forging a new path that celebrates the complexities of the African Diaspora. Her dedication to weaving narratives across two museums promises to create a lasting impact in the art world.
. I mean, how can they possibly make it work? It's like trying to merge oil and water, right? Stokes might be able to pull it off, but I doubt it. She seems like a nice person and all, but have you seen the track record of these two museums? MoAD is already struggling with funding issues, and SFMOMA has a reputation for being super corporate. This whole thing feels like a PR stunt to me 
. And what's with this "weaving narratives" nonsense? Just more buzzwords to make it sound fancy 
.
I'm super stoked about Cornelia Stokes' new role as Assistant Curator at MoAD and SFMOMA! 
She's gonna bring so much energy and creativity to this collab between two amazing museums! 
What I love most is that she's all about sharing influence and knowledge without erasing differences, it's like a beautiful game of cultural chess pieces 
. Stokes' experience as founder of Emblazon Arts LLC will definitely help her navigate the challenges ahead, especially diversifying SFMOMA's collection 
. I'm hyped to see what she'll achieve in this three-year tenure and how it'll impact the art world! 
. But what I think is cool about this move is that she's not trying to erase differences – she's actually trying to share influence and knowledge 
. It's all about collaboration and creating something new together 
. What really gets me though, is how Stokes is thinking about the long-term implications of this project 
. She's not just focused on short-term gains, but rather creating a framework that supports thoughtful and ethical curatorial practices 
. I'm curious to see how it all plays out over the next three years 
This whole thing just gives me CHILLS thinking about Cornelia Stokes taking on this role! I mean, can you even imagine someone with her experience and vision coming together with those two museums? It's like she's holding up a mirror to the entire art world and saying "look at yourselves" - all of your biases and limitations. And the fact that she's not trying to merge these institutions but rather share influence and knowledge is just SO refreshing! I love how she talks about diversifying SFMOMA's collection without redefining value or ownership - it's like she's speaking straight to my soul, you know? The part that really gets me though is the fact that she's not just thinking about her own success but the success of ALL institutions, artists, and audiences. It's like she's saying "we're all in this together" and I am HERE FOR IT!!! 
I guess only time will tell, but I'm rooting for 'em! 
. One thing to keep an eye on is how they navigate collection diversification - it's easy to get caught up in expanding collections, but you gotta make sure it doesn't come at the cost of art historical narratives being erased 
! i love how she's all about collaborating and sharing knowledge between institutions, it's like totally refreshing to see a curator who isn't just stuck on their own island 
. sfmoma and moad are gonna learn so much from her expertise in curatorial thinking and research 
cant wait to see how she tackles the challenges of diversifyin sfmoma's collection and changin art historical narratives 
And what's with the whole "supporting long-term curatorial thinking, scholarship, and public engagement"? That just sounds like corporate jargon to me. I'm not saying Stokes isn't capable or talented, but there's definitely something fishy going on here... 
. And can we talk about how awesome it is that she's not trying to merge their identities or erase differences? That takes major bravery and a willingness to listen 
. This partnership has the potential to create something truly special, and I'm rooting for Stokes from day one 
. She's got the skills and the passion to bring something fresh to both MoAD and SFMOMA. I think it's dope that she's trying to create a framework for long-term curatorial thinking, scholarship, and public engagement 
. Of course, there are challenges ahead, but Stokes seems like a pro who can navigate them 
. Can't wait to see what she comes up with! 
I'm all for that, but let's not pretend like this is a game-changer. We need concrete actions and meaningful partnerships, not just a PR stunt 
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. One thing's for sure, though - this appointment is definitely a step in the right direction...for now 
.
. museums are just gonna keep getting richer and more out of touch with the people they're supposed to represent... and what's with all this talk about "weaving narratives" across two museums? sounds like they're just trying to create some fancy-schmancy buzzword 
. The idea of a museum collaboration is so cool, it's like they're creating something entirely new and unique together 
. The fact that she's not tryin' to erase the differences between MoAD and SFMOMA is a major win 
, it's all about sharin' influence and resources without losin' the unique vibe of each place. I'm hyped to see what she comes up with in her three-year tenure 
, teaming up with MoAD, which has that grassroots, community-driven vibe 
. Either way, I'm all for seeing how this plays out 
.