Common Ground is now home at the Skirball Cultural Center.
After 18 months of public meals, programming, and traveling around the country, Common Ground returned to Los Angeles in November 2023 and is now a part of the permanent collection of the Skirball Cultural Center where it will be on view to the public starting January 23, 2024.
When we set out to find an institutional partner for Common Ground, we had a few essential goals. First, was to find an institution whose mission closely aligns with the mission of Common Ground. Second, was to find an institution that would agree to use Common Ground in support of the shared missions, not just exhibit or store the work as art objects. Third, was to find an institution that would agree to travel the project from time to time so that it could continue to be used by other communities around the country.
The missions of the Skirball and of Common Ground are beautifully aligned.
“The Skirball Cultural Center is a place of meeting guided by the Jewish tradition of welcoming the stranger and inspired by the American democratic ideals of freedom and equality. We welcome people of all communities and generations to participate in cultural experiences that celebrate discovery and hope, foster human connections, and call upon us to help build a more just society.”
“Our Six Essential Jewish Values:
The Skirball mission is deeply rooted in Jewish heritage and inspired by its values. Over time, six of these values have emerged for us as the most essential...
Welcome the Stranger
Honor Memory
Seek Learning
Pursue Justice
Build Community
Show Kindness”
For 2024, Common Ground will be on public view and in use at the Skirball, showcased in an installation designed by Kulapat Yantrasast, Bob Dornberger, Shinsuke Ito, and Vicki Phung Smith.
Adam Silverman will serve as Artist in Residence at the Skirball for 2024, engaging in the many programs, activations, and meals planned throughout the year.
Dr. Scott Alves Barton will serve as Culinary Curator at the Skirball for 2024, where he will organize a series of meals throughout the year in partnership with the Skirball’s executive chef, Sean Sheridan.
Common Ground has been lovingly embraced by the Skirball leadership and staff, and it feels like the project is now happily at home.
