Over 30 Years of Changemakers

In June, Kulapat Yantrasast expounded on his idea of “acupuncture architecture.” In April, James Thornton explored new ways to think about and tackle global environmental challenges. Taking place in the Walker Cinema, these public lectures joined a robust history that has seen change-makers at the forefront of their fields, like Greil Marcus, Kim Gordon, Brian Eno, and Claudia Rankine (among many others), explore our cultural and contemporary moment.

It is thanks to the foresight and generosity of Aaron and Carol Mack that the Walker Art Center and Twin Cities community enjoy the platform of the Mack Lecture Series. Shortly after Aaron joined the staff in 1993, the Macks made a family decision to endow a lecture series at the Walker. Taking a cue from the noted 92nd Street Y program in Manhattan, the former New Yorkers saw an opportunity to build community outside visual and performing arts lectures and embrace the cross-disciplinary mission of the Walker.

Says Carol: “The Twin Cities arts community really punches above its weight. The Walker is an integral part of that. We are proud to contribute to and support this vibrant cultural community.”

Adds Aaron: “As other forms of financial support diminish, fluctuate, or are subject to the winds of change, we feel it’s important for individuals to step up.” Mack Lectures aim to represent different voices in the arts, a diversity of view-points that the Macks see as critical now more than ever.

The Walker is grateful for Aaron and Carol’s long-standing support of the Mack Lecture Series.