AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
“The Choir closed with a glorious rendition of “People Have The Power,” honoring Jesse Smith’s mother, Patti Smith, who stood below the stage with tears in her eyes. ”
THE OFFICE first worked with the American Museum of Natural History in 2008, when we undertook a comprehensive assessment of its public programs that resulted in a significant overhaul of its offerings. We have had an ongoing relationship with the institution ever since, providing consulting services and curating and producing a variety of festivals and events. THE OFFICE has co-curated and co-produced the Margaret Mead Film Festival since 2012, and has both consulted on programming and produced and curated various other events over the years.
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s preeminent scientific and cultural institutions. Since its founding in 1869, the Museum has advanced its global mission to discover, interpret, and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe through a wide- ranging program of scientific research, education, and exhibition. The Museum is renowned for its exhibitions and scientific collections, which serve as a field guide to the entire planet and present a panorama of the world's cultures. AMNH website
The Margaret Mead Film Festival features documentary films, shorts, and other media that increase our understanding of the complexity and diversity of peoples and cultures around the world. Inspired by anthropologist Margaret Mead's groundbreaking use of film and photography, the Mead celebrates ever-changing modes of storytelling, new technologies, and increased access to communities near and far while presenting the best in non-fiction film and hybrid works.
The Mead aims to connect viewers to cultures and communities around the world, creating empathy and understanding through visual media. Hundreds of filmmakers and scholars, thousands of moviegoers, and more than 40 international nonfiction films and media converge over four thrilling days.
THE OFFICE helped to reimagine the Mead in 2012, and works closely with AMNH staff to curate and produce the festival.
Other recent collaborations with AMNH include curating and producing the museum’s annual Kwanzaa and EarthFest events.
Kwanzaa celebrates the African-American heritage that is rooted in seven principles known as Nguzo Saba, and AMNH’s annual event features music, dance, a marketplace, and other celebrations with the aim of promoting unity, culture, and community development.
EarthFest is a Museum-wide festival of art, science, and culture in honor of Earth Day. Renowned artists, musicians, performances, and scholars join AMNH scientists on special activities, performances, and projects focusing on critical conversations on sustaining the beautiful planet we call home.
![EarthFest 2018 | Chelsea Symphony Orchestra performs John Luther Adams’ Become Ocean under the iconic whale in Hall of Ocean Life. [photo: Catherine DeGennaro]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e83e9b6ae45e242b93eb8bb/1586964790822-XL1WZODW3Z7RQLPIJ21P/AMNH%2BEarthFest.jpg)
EarthFest 2018 | Chelsea Symphony Orchestra performs John Luther Adams’ Become Ocean under the iconic whale in Hall of Ocean Life. [photo: Catherine DeGennaro]