Interview: National Academy of Design Celebrates 200 Years of Creative Heritage

On November 8, 1825, thirty creatives and designers convened at the New York Historical Society, a venue adjacent to Central Park, to discuss the shortage of art educational institutions, museums, and galleries in New York City. This gathering initiated the National Academy of Design (NA), with the goal of transforming the city’s art landscape. Over the course of two centuries, NA has developed into a beacon of creativity and advocacy, welcoming over 2,400 artists and designers as National Academicians.

In celebration of its 200th anniversary, NA recently hosted a ceremony at the Morgan Library, hosting prominent figures such as Tacita Dean and Sheila Hicks. At the same time, the Academy unveiled “Whose America?” at its Chelsea site, which investigates U.S. artistic production through various viewpoints. The exhibition interrogates the identity and narrative of America as expressed through art, connecting with NA’s persistent mission.

Gregory Wessner, NA’s executive director, underlines the Academy’s potential to redefine artist-operated institutions in the 21st century. Reflecting on NA’s legacy, Wessner points out its steadfast dedication to cultivating a community of artists and designers, promoting innovation, and advancing American art.

NA’s bicentennial initiatives feature “Future Schools: Toward a 21st-Century Academy,” which envisions the future of arts education, and “Innovating Art History,” which examines neglected stories in American art. As NA concludes its anniversary celebrations, it seeks to continue supporting contemporary artists and engaging with shifting cultural concepts, reaffirming its position as a leading artist-led institution as it enters its third century.