Famous for glittering parties, charitable causes and envelope-pushing exhibitions, the Goss-Michael Foundation is taking an even more expansive — yet local and accessible — approach for its 2014-2015 season. No doubt Dallasites will start to think about it in a new way.
Originally founded in 2007 by Kenny Goss and recording artist George Michael to share their personal collection, the foundation has solidified its mission of pairing philanthropy and art as it has expanded its focus. Goss-Michael may have been criticized in the past for catering to high rollers and high bank accounts, but its big donors and glossy events have enabled it to support local talent alongside mid-career and emerging British artists.
“We’re using our network to try and create a slight shift in the perception of Dallas,” says new curator Kevin Rubén Jacobs.
This Dallas-centric approach to exhibitions has been inspired and encouraged by the foundation’s newest curator, Kevin Rubén Jacobs. For Jacobs, who runs OFG.XXX (formerly Oliver Francis Gallery) in his spare time, hanging local works next to the likes of Tracey Emin and Antony Gormley can only be a positive thing for our arts scene.
“I suppose I’ve been the influence for it not being so Brit-centric because I was doing my own thing for three years, and Kenny wanted to utilize that energy over here,” he explains. “He had the idea of using our back exhibition space to show significant Dallas-based artists.
“More often than not, people who visit our foundation from Berlin, New York or London will ask with great intrigue about the works. We’re using our network to try and create a slight shift in the perception of Dallas.”
First up for fall? A dual show opening September 4 that pairs Bright Young Brit painter Adam Ball with Dallas-based mixed media artist Michelle Rawlings. To coincide with this opening, and to introduce these artists to the community in a more intimate way, enthusiasts can lunch with Ball and Rawlings on September 5. This event is the start of an initiative called Fridays (at) GMF, a collaboration with Green House Market in which people can hang out at the foundation, enjoy a farm-to-table lunch and get to know the exhibiting artists.
This fall the foundation also will launch a curated outpost of Damien Hirst’s Other Criteria shop, which recently opened its first U.S. branch in New York’s SoHo this May. Taking over an old conference room along with executive director Joyce Goss’ former office, Other Criteria + GMF will offer Hirst’s and other major artists’ print editions, books and collectibles alongside work from the Dallas art community — all at a relatively affordable price.
GMF will launch an outpost of Damien Hirst’s Other Criteria shop, offering Hirst’s and other major artists’ print editions, books and collectibles.
Expanding its retail offerings lets Goss-Michael support its mission of educational programming, meaning we’ll see more events like the open-to-the-public preview of season seven of the PBS series ART21. The September 18 screening at Texas Theatre, sponsored by the foundation, explores Katharina Grosse’s recent exhibition at the Nasher Sculpture Center. The after-party features music by Lee Escobedo.
January 2015 brings a traveling exhibition showcasing work by notable Rhode Island School of Design grads, including Huma Bhabha, Katherine Bradford, Dennis Congdon, Jason Fox, Arthur Peña, Ryan Sullivan and Jordan Wolfson. Curated by locally based artist Peña and RISD professor and painter Congdon, the show is a bit of a coup for Dallas. It will eventually move on to Rhode Island, Los Angeles and Chicago.
But of course, the charitable and social event of the spring season is the fourth iteration of the wildly successful MTV RE:DEFINE. Having raised a jaw-dropping $3.8 million to date for AIDS research, RE:DEFINE returns home to the foundation’s space on April 10, 2015, honoring the work of influencer Michael Craig-Martin.
“Among [his] talents, it is impossible to ignore his influence as a mentor and professor at Goldsmiths, where he has been impactful to some of the most recognizable names in the art world, including Damien Hirst, Sarah Lucas, Gary Hume and more,” says Kenny Goss.
Here’s hoping he discovers some Texas talent to take under his wing while he’s here.
The Goss-Michael Foundation has evolved since its inception in 2007 to include a focus on local artists. But philanthropy and education have remained core parts of its mission.
Ballet Austin isn't afraid to add some edge to classic stories. Photo courtesy of Ballet Austin 