Artist Theaster Gates on Changing His Image to Attract Investors | The Businessweek Show

TL;DR

Theaster Gates discusses urban development and preserving culture in Chicago.

Transcript

the aster Gates welcome to the show thank you so much you have this beautiful phrase that I think of as a kind of metaphor for imagination and you talk about the possibility of life within things how do you find that life well it's interesting so often the life is right up under our noses and what I've learned from Shintoism is that there's a there... Read More

Key Insights

• Theaster Gates emphasizes the importance of finding life within things, drawing inspiration from Shintoism to respect and preserve cultural elements.
• Gates has transformed spaces on Chicago's South Side into cultural hubs, providing opportunities for artists and fostering community engagement.
• Initially facing skepticism, Gates had to present himself as a developer to gain traction and support for his urban projects.
• He believes economic development can be imaginative and community-focused rather than destructive, emphasizing the creation of positive energy.
• Gates aims to bring cultural amenities to his neighborhood, benefiting thousands and demonstrating a model for neighborhood transformation.
• He is concerned about gentrification and is working to ensure his projects include and support existing residents rather than displacing them.
• Gates views his work as a long-term performance, intending to eventually pass on his projects and knowledge to others.
• He reflects on the need for wealth to develop sophisticated tools for measuring community health and investing in human needs beyond financial gains.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Theaster Gates find life within things?

Theaster Gates finds life within things by drawing inspiration from Shintoism, which emphasizes the presence of power and life in natural elements like wood, trees, water, and rocks. He believes respecting and preserving this life is crucial, and he applies this philosophy to his work in cultural preservation and urban development.

Q: What challenges did Gates face in gaining support for his projects?

Gates initially faced skepticism and had to change his approach to gain support for his projects. He found that presenting himself as an artist did not garner the necessary attention, so he adopted the language of a developer, highlighting his investments and plans for further development to gain traction with city officials and investors.

Q: How does Gates view economic development?

Gates views economic development as an imaginative and community-focused endeavor rather than a destructive one. He emphasizes creating positive energy and providing cultural amenities that benefit the community. By focusing on what he desires for himself, Gates believes he can create spaces that serve thousands and promote neighborhood transformation.

Q: What is Gates' concern regarding gentrification?

Gates is concerned that gentrification could displace existing residents as neighborhoods become more desirable. To combat this, he is working to ensure his projects are inclusive and supportive of current residents. He emphasizes the importance of acquiring and protecting land for mission-based activities to prevent displacement and preserve community culture.

Q: How does Gates plan to pass on his work?

Gates views his work as a long-term performance and plans to eventually pass on his projects and knowledge to others. He is learning from people who are actively trying to share their resources and insights. Gates sees his role as temporary and aims to ensure that the benefits of his work continue beyond his direct involvement.

Q: What does Gates believe wealth should focus on?

Gates believes wealth should focus on developing sophisticated tools for measuring community health and life, rather than solely prioritizing financial gains. He argues that investments should address human needs and preserve cultural and community elements, creating a more vibrant and diverse urban environment.

Q: How does Gates protect his imagination and creativity?

Gates protects his imagination and creativity by continuously working and finding solutions to complex problems. He draws inspiration from his father's teachings and early experiences, which encouraged creativity and problem-solving. Gates believes that actively engaging in meaningful work helps maintain and nurture his imaginative capabilities.

Q: What are Gates' future plans and dreams?

Gates is currently focused on how to let go of his tight hold on development and imagine it as a long-term durational performance. He is considering how to give away his accumulated resources and insights to benefit others. Gates is exploring ways to share his work and ensure its positive impact continues in the future.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Theaster Gates discusses his approach to urban development, focusing on cultural preservation and community engagement on Chicago's South Side. He emphasizes the importance of respecting the life within things and drawing inspiration from Shintoism. Gates has transformed underinvested spaces into cultural hubs, providing opportunities for artists and fostering community engagement.

• Initially facing skepticism, Gates had to present himself as a developer to gain traction and support for his urban projects. He believes economic development can be imaginative and community-focused rather than destructive, emphasizing the creation of positive energy. Gates aims to bring cultural amenities to his neighborhood, benefiting thousands.

• Concerned about gentrification, Gates is working to ensure his projects include and support existing residents rather than displacing them. He views his work as a long-term performance, intending to eventually pass on his projects and knowledge to others. Gates reflects on the need for wealth to develop sophisticated tools for measuring community health.