MAEP memories

by Mason Riddle, TC Daily Planet • August 23, 2008 • I interned at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts in 1977, when I was in graduate school, and I met Minnesota Artist Exhibition Program coordinator Stewart Turnquist the day he walked through the door. Unquestionably, he has crafted and sustained a unique organization, working in tandem with artists and the museum to make the MAEP what it is today.

In November of 1994, I served on the Individual Artists Organizations panel at the National Endowment for the Arts. Of the more than 200 organizations applying for financial support, MAEP was one. I spoke to the significance and success of the program and answered many questions. My fellow panelists were impressed—indeed, amazed—by the program’s structure and were truly envious of its autonomous existence. In the interest of full disclosure, I have also authored two MAEP exhibition essays for which I have been paid.

Arts Orbit is a multisource blog about the local arts scene, featuring both original contributions by Daily Planet writers and entries reprinted from partner blogs and online publications.

This is not the first time the program has been reassessed by the MIA leadership. In 1975, MIA director Sam Sachs thought it a viable enough idea to give it a go. Subsequently, it had the whole-hearted approval of Alan Shestack in the mid-1980s. During Evan Mauer’s 17-year tenure, which ended in 2005, MAEP was thoroughly examined more than once. Acting director Robert Jacobsen was always a staunch supporter of the program. Each time, MAEP has withstood the scrutiny. It has been long agreed that the essence—the soul—of the program is its autonomous structure.