Seattle, WA [June 10, 2025]—The Henry Art Gallery at the University of Washington is pleased to announce the appointments of Swagato Chakravorty as Associate Curator and Randi Evans as Associate Curator of Programs. Their arrival comes at an exciting time as the museum deepens its commitment to artist-centered curatorial practice and community-rooted programming.
“Swagato and Randi each bring a depth of insight and artistic inquiry that will enrich every aspect of the Henry’s work,” said Kris Lewis, John S. Behnke Director. “Their approaches to curation and engagement are rooted in care, curiosity, and a strong commitment to equity—qualities that are essential to our mission. I’m excited to welcome them to the team to shape a bold artistic program that lifts up diverse voices, confronts challenging truths, and celebrates the transformative possibilities of contemporary art.”
As core members of the curatorial team, led by Senior Curator Nina Bozicnik, Chakravorty and Evans will play vital roles in advancing the Henry’s vision where art leads everyone to discover new possibilities in themselves, others, and the world around them. Their work will help shape an artistic program that prioritizes collaboration with artists, invites critical dialogue, and expands access to experimental and thought-provoking experiences for our communities.
Chakravorty and Evans will take their posts in July 2025.
Swagato Chakravorty
Associate Curator
Following a national search, Chakravorty stood out for his critically informed curatorial perspective and spirit of collaboration. “Swagato brings standout experience to the role,” said Bozicnik. “His work with artists and permanent collections, and his investment in diverse and historically underrepresented perspectives distinguish Swagato as an exceptional addition to our team.”
Swagato Chakravorty (he/him) is an Indian American curator and critic whose work ranges across modern and contemporary art and visual culture, focusing on cross-cultural and diasporic contexts, especially in relation to the Global South. Most recently, he was the Daniel W. Dietrich II Curatorial Fellow in Contemporary Art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where he co-curated Isaac Julien: Lina Bo Bardi —A Marvellous Entanglement (with a newly-commissioned performance) and organized Day With(out) Art 2022: Being and Belonging in collaboration with Visual AIDS, as well as several time-based media installations.
Previously at the Museum of Modern Art, the Jewish Museum, and the New Museum in New York, Chakravorty assisted with exhibitions including Judson Dance Theater: The Work is Never Done; Bruce Conner: It's All True; Jonas Mekas: The Camera Was Always Running; Sarah Lucas: Au Naturel; and Nari Ward: We the People. His writing has appeared in exhibition catalogues, academic journals, and arts periodicals. He is completing his PhD at Yale University in History of Art and Film and Media Studies.
“For almost a century, the Henry has distinguished itself as a leading West Coast institution championing contemporary art and culture, and as an artist-centered space forging generative dialogues and community regionally and internationally,” said Chakravorty. “As the rights and freedoms of marginalized communities everywhere come under attack, I am honored to join the Henry’s team at a pivotal moment in the museum’s history to collectively advance the vital work of uplifting artists and amplifying the critical powers of art.”
Randi Evans
Associate Curator of Programs
Evans also emerged from a national search for her creative approach to public programming and deep investment in access and community-building. “Randi brings a passion for developing arts-based programs that offer multiple access points and engage diverse audiences in the transformative power of art,” said Bozicnik. “Her approach to mutually beneficial community partnerships and expansive way of engaging learning in museums make her an exceptional addition to the Henry.”
Randi Evans (she/her) is a publicly engaged educator and scholar originally from the Pacific Northwest. For the past three years, she has been the Manager of Public Practice and Community Partnerships at The Jule Museum at Auburn University, where she oversaw public-facing programs, research, and education. Previously, Evans worked in a variety of education and community settings, including correctional facilities, after-school programs, and centers for adults with disabilities.
She is a recent participant in the Jekyll Island Management Institute for early to mid-career museum professionals organized by the Southeastern Museums Conference. As a dance scholar, she has presented widely and published in Dance Research Journal and Burnaway. She holds a Ph.D. in Performance Studies from the University of California, Berkeley; a graduate certificate from the Institute for Curatorial Practice in Performance at Wesleyan University; an MA in Cultural Studies from the University of Washington; and a BFA in Dance from Cornish College of the Arts.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Henry this summer as Associate Curator of Programs,” said Evans. “As a Seattle native, I have long admired the Henry and its legacy of supporting experimental and genre-defying artists. I am a collaborator at heart and am excited to work with staff at the Henry to think capaciously about how we might facilitate meaningful engagement with the arts for the many communities within the Seattle and greater Puget Sound region.”