Public Programs

The Whitney's public programs are designed to address key issues in twentieth-century and contemporary American art for a variety of adult audiences. Through these programs, the Museum offers a unique blend of new perspectives and well-known, established voices. Artists, architects, critics, scholars, and writers are invited to respond to special exhibitions, to illuminate the Whitney's permanent collection, or to examine important cultural and artistic trends.

Spring Programs:

- My Turn

Upcoming Programs

My Turn

My Turn expands the definition of a museum program by inviting a guest artist to interpret another artist's work. This unique public program series, held in conjunction with the exhibition Dan Graham: Beyond, is organized by guest curator and artist Howie Chen. Taking the exhibition as a point of departure, Chen approaches Dan Graham's work through musicians, filmmakers, and performers to provide a new and insightful look at an artist who has been influential since the 1960s. Chen is cofounder of the curatorial partnership Dispatch and is a member of the collaborative New Humans.

Acoustic Evening with The Feelies
Friday, June 26 at 7 pm

The Feelies, one of the most influential rock bands of the past three decades, play a rare acoustic set. This performance presents the group’s legendary complex guitar layering, driving rhythms, and drone passages.

• Free with Museum admission (free for members).
• Concert tickets are available on the day of the show only, beginning at 1 pm.
• Space is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Limit 2 tickets per person

Dan Graham in Conversation with Glenn Branca
Saturday, September 12 at 7 pm

Dan Graham joins avant-garde composer and musician Glenn Branca for a conversation about past collaborations, rock music, and shared interests working in New York City.  This evening also includes a screening of Westkunst (Modern Period): Dan Graham Segment (1980) by Dan Graham and Ernst Mitzka.

This program will take place at X Initiative, 548 West 22nd Street. This is a free event. No reservations. Space is limited; first-come, first-seated.

Put Blood in the Music
Thursday, September 17 at 7 pm
Introduction by director Charles Atlas

This is a rare U.S. screening of Put Blood in the Music (1989), a documentary on the late 1980s downtown New York music scene, featuring early performances by Sonic Youth, John Zorn, Hugo Largo, and Ambitious Lovers and appearances by Dan Graham, Glenn Branca, Karen Finley and others. Experimental filmmaker, video artist, and director Charles Atlas will introduce his film.

This program will take place at X Initiative, 548 West 22nd Street. This is a free event. No reservations. Space is limited; first-come, first-seated.

Beyond Dan Graham: Beyond
Thursday, October 1 at 7 pm
Scholars, critics, and artists join Dan Graham for a roundtable conversation about his inimitable contributions to performance, music, and architecture.

Admission is $8 (free for Whitney members); $6 for senior citizens and students. Tickets will be available online soon.