VOLTA announces Key Partnership with the National Academy

NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 27th, 2018: VOLTA is pleased to announce a partnership with The National Academy of Design (NAD). This collaboration actualizes as intimate public gatherings at the New York fair, and it advocates for the fair’s social reach. National Academicians, the Academy’s artist and architect honorary members, provide further insight for fair visitors on the themes of influence by engaging in dialogue, exhibiting video works, and supporting the VOLTA Cares initiative Programming and participating Academicians will be announced in January.

Image above: VOLTA New York 2018, image courtesy David Willems Photography

Founded in 1825 by painter Thomas Cole, painter and inventor Samuel B. Morse, and noted Hudson school architect Asher B. Durand, the Academy’s simple yet powerful mission is “to promote American art and architecture through exhibition and instruction.” Notes Mary Fisher, NAD’s Interim Executive Director, “The National Academy is proud to partner with VOLTA to promote artists and support the next generation of creative minds.”

Recent inductees to the Academician Class of 2018 include Hank Willis Thomas, who was featured in VOLTA’s 2016 Salon Series at the New York fair. The newest Academicians, the fifth largest class in NAD’s history, join more than 420 living members, withover 2,300 elected since the Academy’s founding. VOLTA has collaborated with such notable Academicians in the past, including Mickalene Thomas at the 2018 fair, and the inclusion of key pieces from the Academy’s collection will add a layer of depth and context regarding American art history for fair visitors.

“Education has always been a goal of ours, from the entire context of the New York platform — immersive solo projects by emerging or under represented international artists — to the navigation of our fairs — focused and approachable for both veteran and nascent collectors,” adds Amanda Coulson, VOLTA Artistic Director. “Assuch, I look forward to this first collaboration with the National Academy .Its rich cultural scholarship and lineage of Academician mentors promotes creativity, accessibility, and inclusion — qualities we strive for in every VOLTA edition.”

ABOUT:
Founded in 1825 by a group of artists and architects, The National Academy of Design (NAD) is an arts organization founded on three key components: an honor society of America’s top artists and architects; a presenter of arts; and an agent of arts education. Over the decades, the Academy has enriched and educated countless generations of artists and architects, while celebrating the diversity of American art, architecture, and culture.

VOLTA New York is a contemporary art fair comprised of solo projects by leading and emerging international artists. The American incarnation of the original Basel VOLTA show, VOLTA New York has since its 2008 debut operated as a beacon for creative discovery and social engagement during Armory Arts Week. VOLTA New York returns to PIER 90, adjacent to The Armory Show, from March 6th to 10th, 2019.

VOLTA Cares was initiated in 2018 as a multitiered socia lprogramming outreach by the New York fair to more meaningfully connect with all levels of cultural purveyors, from public school students to patron collectors.

VOLTA New York

How to get there:

LOCATION:
Pier 90, 12th Ave at West 50th Street
New York, NY 10019

DIRECT SHUTTLE:
Direct shuttle from The Armory Show, Pier 94
to VOLTA at Pier 90

PUBLIC TRANSIT:
C and E train to 50 Street / 8 Avenue
1, A, B, C, D to 59 Street / Columbus Circle

TAKING THE FERRY FROMNJ:
Frequent ferry service to Midtown at Pier 79,
a 13 min walk to Pier 90 on the Hudson River Greenway