The contemporary art world, and museums in particular, are in a period of change, turbulence, and self-examination. Over the last five years, global current events, including the recent pandemic, stressed arts institutions large and small and laid bare weaknesses and fragilities in museum structures, modes of work, public perception, and traditional funding models. In recent years, new scrutiny has come to every aspect of a museum’s function revealing long held biases and imbalances. The fallacy of the neutrality of museums has also been revealed as many institutions pursue work for social change while also being called out to examine their colonial histories, their collections, and their practices.

 

It is in this space of challenge and possibility that Desert Sabbatical steps in with intimate convenings to support cultural leaders, curators, and artists. Desert Sabbatical is a refuge for leaders of contemporary art and culture at moments of challenge, change, and growth. Housed at The Ridge, a serene and secluded estate in the beautiful foothills of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Desert Sabbatical is an initiative that seeks to be supportive and generative and provide a place for community and inspiration. Among a cohort of peers, Desert Sabbatical provides the possibility for inspiration and renewal. 

 

Desert Sabbatical retreats are shaped and guided by an Advisory Council of leaders in the contemporary art world, including past and present museum directors, curators, and artists. Cohorts are formed each season to bring together like-minded colleagues, potential thought partners, and creative collaborators. A team of professional facilitation and workshop leaders are an integral part of the program on site.

 

With a desire to support leaders at all stages in their careers, most expenses of invited retreat attendees are funded by Desert Sabbatical. Supported in part by seasonal overnight guests of The Ridge and through partnerships with like-minded arts organizations and foundations, Desert Sabbatical provides a new model for supporting cultural leaders. In the year ahead Desert Sabbatical will begin the process of Benefit Corporation (B Corp) certification, underscoring the organization’s commitment to making an impact and being responsible stewards of resources and land while also meeting high standards of transparency and accountability.

 

Desert Sabbatical was developed by contemporary art museum veteran Irene Hofmann. Having served as the director of SITE Santa Fe for over a decade and having benefited from many generosities of the field over the years, Hofmann has created a facility (The Ridge) and a program (Desert Sabbatical) to support the field at a time of challenge and possibility for museum leaders, curators, and artists at every level. Desert Sabbatical creates tangible solutions that participants take into the field supporting their work and their institutions through change and reinvention.