What does artistic excellence look like? How do curators make decisions? How can arts organizations best support artists in today’s world? 

This panel discussion brings together three current and former Artspace Creative Directors: Jonh Blanco, Annah Lee, and Lia Newman.

In connection with FRESH 2026, Artspace’s biennial exhibition of North Carolina artists, the conversation will explore the relationship between curators and artists in today’s contemporary art landscape.

Participants will learn about how artists are selected and supported by arts institutions, the individual curatorial approaches of each panelist, and the opportunities and challenges of the field. The panel discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A.

About the Panelists

Jonh Blanco – current Creative Director, Artspace

Jonh Blanco is the Creative Director at Artspace, where they lead the organization’s curatorial vision for exhibitions, residencies, and artist-centered programs. A Filipinx-American artist, curator, and cultural leader, Jonh’s undisciplined practice engages community, accessibility, care, and collective imagination through performance art, education, and social practice. They earned a BFA from the San Francisco Art Institute and an MFA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to joining Artspace, Jonh served as Museum Manager at 21c Museum Hotel Durham. Their work is grounded in the belief that artists and cultural organizations can create meaningful spaces for belonging, dialogue, and positive community change.

Annah Lee – Manager, Holly Springs Cultural Center (Artspace Creative Director: 2015–2025)

Annah Lee has worked in the visual arts field in her hometown of Raleigh, NC for the past 15 years, where she is a member of the City’s Public Art and Design Board. Since 2025, she has worked in the town of Holly Springs as Manager of the Cultural Center. Annah received her Master’s Degree in Art History and completed her PhD coursework at UNC-Chapel Hill. Having forged strong interpersonal relationships with artists, institutions, and community members to ensure programming is relevant to our communities, Lee programs art and artists who respond to current cultural issues. Using art as a lens to explore and understand problems, behaviors, and events we collectively face, while placing a strong emphasis on process and technical mastery, Lee continues to expand access for all to engage with art as a vehicle to appreciate and understand human experience.

Lia Newman – Director/Curator, Davidson College Art Galleries (Artspace Director of Programs + Exhibitions, 2002–2012)

Lia Rose Newman has been Director/Curator of the Davidson College Art Galleries since January 2013. In her current role, she provides leadership for the advancement of visual art at Davidson College, curating exhibitions and related programming and providing strategic vision to create an inclusive, interdisciplinary center of learning. With specific interests in socially and politically-engaged art practices, Newman’s curatorial projects have explored such topics as HIV, climate catastrophe, and immigration. She earned a BA in Art History and a BFA in General Studio with concentrations in sculpture and photography from Winthrop University, and an MA from Duke University.

About Artspace

Artspace is a non-profit visual arts center located in Downtown Raleigh. Visit Artspace to explore exhibitions featuring national and community artists, engage with more than 30 artists working in their studios, and enjoy art classes and community events for all ages and abilities. To learn more about Artspace, visit artspacenc.org

Parking and Accessibility

Free street parking is available on Davie Street. Free parking is available at the following parking decks:

• City Center Deck, 429 S. Wilmington St.
• Moore Square Deck, 233 S. Wilmington St.
• Municipal Complex Deck, 201 W. Morgan St.
• Wilmington Street Station Deck, 117 S. Wilmington St.

There are also several pay lots nearby: City Market parking lot and several Secure P lots for night + weekend parking (314 E Davie St, 415 S Person St, 417 S Person St).

Explore accessibility information with our Know Before You Go Guide.