Convening

The Warhol Convenings were a signature aspect of the Warhol Initiative. Recognizing the importance of person to person interaction, and aware of the lack of opportunities generally for travel and networking among peers in the field, the foundation provided for an executive director, curator, and board chair to participate in intensive 3-4 day retreats to discuss a range of issues pertaining to artist-run spaces. Convenings were held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, 2001; Miami, 2003; Los Angeles, 2005; New Orleans, 2008; and San Francisco, 2011. Consultants frequently offered sessions covering topics like board development, succession planning, and ways to better utilize new technologies. Each Convening was designed to also highlight the food, culture, and artistic activity in each host city.