Future of Cultural Centers: Danny Vargas, Museum of the American Latino

*This event is occurring as a live webinar. Registrants will be emailed a link to access the program.*

The Future of Cultural Centers Dialogue Series

As the world rapidly changes around us, old frameworks for the development of cultural centers looks less and less relevant. During the Summer and Fall of 2020, AIA New York will look specifically at museums, questioning what would happen if we were to take this unprecedented time to explore new missions, visions, and (spatial) programs for existing and new museums. What will 21st-century museums be like? Join us for this Fall line-up of conversations as cultural forecaster and museum expert David van der Leer, Principal of DVDL DD, speaks with museum professionals from around the US and beyond.

In this week's installment, Van der Leer will be joined in conversation by Danny Vargas, Chairman of the Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino. The Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino strives to create a museum in Washington DC. to educate, inspire and encourage respect and understanding of the richness and diversity of the American Latino experience within the U.S. and its territories. By highlighting the contributions made by Latino icons, pioneers and communities to the American way of life we are all better able to truly understand what makes our nation great. The campaign to create a Smithsonian American Latino Museum has been active since 2004. As the largest ethnic group in the nation with arguably the oldest ties to the founding of this nation, we have a compelling case for moving onto the iconic National Mall and joining the many prestigious institutions that welcome the over 30 million tourists and residents each year to present our American story.

Speakers:
Raul "Danny" Vargas, Board Chairman, Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino
David van der Leer, Principal, DVDL DD

Raul “Danny” Vargas is an award-winning noted business and community leader, accomplished media commentator, and marketing/public relations professional. A product of the mean streets of New York City, he has created opportunities, overcome challenges and beaten the odds all his life. He has made a mark not only in business but in the community as well. Danny is a proud US Air Force intelligence veteran, serving seven years on active duty. Danny is the Founder/President of VARCom Solutions, a nationally-recognized, marketing, public relations and professional services firm. He is the Chairman of the Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino, advancing its creation within the Smithsonian. He is the Secretary of the Virginia State Advisory Committee to the US Commission on Civil Rights and recently founded a nonprofit serving Latino Veterans.

David van der Leer is a consultant, curator, educator, moderator, researcher, strategist, and writer. He is the principal of DVDL DD, a New York City and Rotterdam-based agency of cultural forecasters, institutional strategists, and design matchmakers, where he advises institutions, government agencies, corporations, and individuals in reinventing the institutions of yesterday and building the most inspirational institutions of tomorrow. Along with his consulting work, David van der Leer is a professor at the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture Planning and Preservation where he teaches a course called (Re)Programming Museums.

Explore all events in the series and register for upcoming programs here.