Palm Springs
The Palm Springs Art Museum has launched Q+ Art, a permanent program representing art and artists from the LGBTQ+ community.
The first of its kind in the United States, and possibly the world, from an art museum that doesn’t exclusively cater to LGBTQ+ art and artists, Q+ Art includes LGBTQ+ exhibitions, public programming and awards as well as acquiring more LGBTQ+ artists’ works to add to the Palm Springs Art Museum’s impressive permanent collection.
Palm Springs Art Museum President Craig Hartzman and his husband, James John, have pledged a hefty $1 million towards an endowment for Q+ Art.
“It was just something that made sense,” said Hartzman. “We’re looking at the LGTBQ+ community and realized we weren’t doing enough to reach out. The biggest reason we did it is because we’re parents. We always made sure they could soar in any way they could, that they could reach and not be judged, whatever their journey was.”
Art exhibited in Q+ include the works of David Hockney, Julie Mehretu, Catherine Opie, Lari Pittman and Grant Wood.
Known for its world class golf courses, mid-century architecture, spas and resorts, Palm Springs has long been internationally recognized as a prominent LGBTQ+ destination. It is estimated that up to 50% of Palm Springs residents are LGBTQ+.
“The museum has been working with many LGBTQ+ identified artists over the years, but I felt it was time to make a more formal commitment to our community with the creation of a well-defined and comprehensive program,” said Adam Lerner, JoAnn McGrath Executive Director/CEO. “Considering how significant the LGBTQ+ demographic is to Palm Springs, it’s simply obvious that our museum should take a leading role nationally in telling the stories of LGBTQ+ contributions to art and design.”
With over 150,000 sq. ft of space, the Palm Springs Art Museum was established in 1938 and is now the largest art museum between Los Angeles and Phoenix.
For more information, please visit psmuseum.org
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