Scott Stulen, a former president and CEO of the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa, Okla, was recently named the director and CEO of the Seattle Art Museum. Stulen studied studio art in college and has a background as a DJ and a baseball player. He is known for producing a viral Internet Cat Festival and building a mini golf course. Stulen is set to take charge of SAM at a crucial time as the organization aims to increase membership and attendance post-pandemic and contribute to the revitalization of downtown Seattle. He plans to bring a data-driven, nimble, and open-minded approach to the job with a focus on positioning art to provide a transformative experience for the audience.
Stulen brings an innovative perspective to the role, considering his background as a maker and creator. He aims to integrate technology into the museum experience thoughtfully, using it as a tool to enhance the mission and understand the audience better. While recognizing the importance of maintaining analog experiences in art, Stulen believes that technology can be used to facilitate engagement with the audience in numerous ways. He sees the value of technology in museums and the necessity of leveraging it to broaden the scope of the art experience.
Artificial intelligence is a subject of interest to Stulen, who acknowledges its potential to raise questions about authenticity and ownership in the arts. He believes that museums can serve as platforms for addressing these issues and fostering debate about contemporary topics. Stulen is open to hosting AI-created art at SAM, emphasizing the importance of reflecting the current social landscape and engaging the community in meaningful conversations. He sees museums as spaces where challenging ideas can be presented, catering to the diverse interests and concerns of the audience.
Stulen envisions SAM as a gathering place for people to connect and engage with art and each other, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic-induced isolation. He believes that museums can provide dynamic and innovative spaces for the community to come together, whether through art exhibits, films, music, or socializing. Stulen sees potential for collaboration between the tech community and SAM in creating a vibrant and inclusive environment that serves as a town square for the public. He encourages involvement from the tech community in supporting SAM’s mission to bring people together in engaging and enriching experiences.
Outside of his professional role, Stulen reveals a personal affinity for music, particularly enjoying concerts and listening to a variety of artists. His favorite art experience professionally involved showcasing children’s artwork at Philbrook during the pandemic, creating a moving and impactful exhibition that allowed young artists to see their work displayed in a major museum for the first time. Stulen’s commitment to fostering creativity and community engagement through art aligns with his vision for SAM as a space that offers a transformative and inclusive experience for its audience. At SAM, Stulen intends to build on his innovative approach and passion for art to cultivate a dynamic and meaningful environment for visitors to engage with art in all its forms.
