Oshun Layne

Brief Background

I was born and reared in Brooklyn, NYC with a passion for visual arts and its ability to communicate a sense of inclusiveness across cultures, genders, and generations. For more than a decade, I have developed and nurtured an extensive career in arts leadership that includes institutional, gallery, and non-profit project management experiences. Through arts education, programming, artist development, strategic partnerships, and mentorship, I have been successful in bringing multicultural and multidisciplinary art forms to diverse populations.

Currently, I am the Director of Operations for Dashboard, a creative arts agency based in Atlanta, GA, and I am also pursuing a master’s degree in Urban Policy and Planning with an emphasis on Non-Profit Management at Hunter College. Merging cultural studies, art, and policy, I seek to create innovative pathways to bridge gaps between urban communities and private interests with a focus on arts awareness, cultural competency, and community partnerships.

How did you arrive here?

Graduating from Howard University with a Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, my educational and professional journey lead me to become the Director of Galleries for Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation. In this role, I increased regional audience participation and engagement by supervision of exhibitions and programming in multiple venues such as Rush Arts Gallery in NYC, Corridor Gallery in Brooklyn and Rush Arts Philly in Philadelphia, PA. Prior to Rush, I coordinated arts education programs and oversaw the administration of educational volunteers, docents and interns for the High Museum of Art in Atlanta.

My curatorial and arts administration experience has given me the opportunity to work and partner with numerous institutions, which include the American Museum of Natural History, The High Museum of Art, Museum of Contemporary African Diaspora Art (MoCADA), Scope Art Fair, Prizm Art Fair, The Barnes Foundation and African American Museum of Philadelphia, to name a few.

What motivates you to do this?

I believe art is a universal language that connects all people. It allows us to develop narratives that ultimately adds volumes to larger dialogs. In this climate, there are many subjects that may be deemed taboo and/or uncomfortable but through art, a platform can be created to permit organic, honest, and relevant discussion, within a truly safe space for all. This fuels my love for art, invigorates my mission to support artists, and motivates me to be an advocate for creativity in all forms.

What does the Wassaic Project mean to you?

Working with Wassaic Project has been a truly fulfilling experience. Wassaic provides a space for artist to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with their thoughts and passions. Through their residency program, artist can meditate on their work, share with fellow artist, engage art professions, and receive the support needed to expand their practice.

Over the last few years, I have worked with Wassaic’s core team to cultivate residency and exhibition opportunities for artists of color within their program. Through scholarships, dozens of artists have had the chance to explore and embrace this unique experience.  

Wassaic’s active work to establish a place of inclusion really reinforces their mission as an arts organization and sets the tone for what other residencies should work towards.  

In a few words, how would you describe this to others?

Awesome people doing outstanding work, while supporting creatives in numerous capacities.