Scott Stulen, the new director and CEO of the Seattle Art Museum, has a unique background that includes studying studio art in college, being a DJ, and producing a viral Internet Cat Festival. His approach to leading the museum involves a focus on being a maker and creator, taking a data-driven, nimble, and open-minded approach. Stulen aims to boost membership and attendance at SAM and help revitalize downtown Seattle with his innovative strategies. His love for tech will play a significant role in integrating technology into the museum and using it as a tool to enhance the audience’s experience.
As a former president and CEO of the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Stulen is well-versed in the museum world. He believes that museums can provide spaces for difficult conversations like those surrounding artificial intelligence and its impact on the arts. Stulen is open to hosting AI-created art at SAM as a way to reflect and engage with current societal issues. He hopes that museums can be places where people can challenge their beliefs, be exposed to new ideas, and have open discussions about authenticity and ownership of information.
Stulen’s vision for SAM includes creating a space for people to gather, connect, and have real-world offline experiences, especially after the isolation experienced during the pandemic. He sees museums as potential town squares where individuals from the tech community can align to provide innovative and dynamic spaces for people to explore art, music, film, and other cultural experiences. Stulen encourages collaboration between the tech community and SAM to create an environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and connection among visitors.
When asked about his tech preferences, Stulen reveals that he is a Mac guy and the most used app on his phone is Twitter, as he is a news junkie. His first concert was seeing Rage Against the Machine during their very first tour in 1991. Stulen shares that he has been listening to a lot of the new Waxahatchee record, Tigers Blood, and one of his favorite art experiences involved displaying 3,000 artworks collected from kids during the pandemic. This show was highly attended and impactful, showcasing the potential of art to connect with diverse audiences and create meaningful experiences.
Scott Stulen brings a fresh perspective to his role at SAM, blending his artistic background, love for technology, and innovative ideas to transform the museum experience. His focus on breaking down barriers, inviting diverse audiences, and engaging with current societal issues sets him apart as a museum director. By leveraging technology, fostering collaborations with the tech community, and creating spaces for people to gather and connect, Stulen aims to position SAM as a vibrant and dynamic cultural hub in Seattle. His vision for the future of the museum reflects a commitment to inclusivity, creativity, and community engagement.
