Third Thursdays: Collecting for Collective Memory

A community-centered conversation at The Bass examines how art, collecting and shared stewardship shape cultural memory and collective truth.

Led by COMMISSIONER.US, this Third Thursdays program explores the role of artists, collectors and communities in preserving inclusive narratives and reclaiming histories that are often overlooked. Framed by the upcoming presentation of Isaac Julien’s Vagabondia (2000) at The Bass, the discussion considers how collecting can function as an act of care, responsibility and long-term cultural preservation.

Following the conversation, participants are invited to join a guided public art walk that extends the evening beyond the museum walls. The activity encourages reflection on how lived experiences, neighborhood stories and everyday encounters contribute to collective memory and how those memories can be documented and carried forward.

Taking place Thursday, May 21, the event is free with RSVP, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the talk beginning at 6:30 p.m., followed by the public art walk. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Third Thursdays are part of The Bass’ monthly series of storytelling, dialogue and site-specific programming, presented with support from the Art Bridges Foundation Access for All Program.

The event coincides with the City of Miami Beach Culture Crawl and includes access to complimentary trolley service connecting participating cultural destinations throughout the evening.