“How to Succeed in the Arts Without Really Trying” is a performance/lecture by artist Paul Rucker. Rucker will use factual information interwoven with satire to talk about his personal journey from working as a janitor at the Seattle Art Museum to opening his own art museum, from his first grant of $200 to multimillion-dollar grants from foundations. This lecture will include Rucker performing on cello and bass as well as an interactive performance lecture that invites audience engagement. The talk will be sprinkled with history, comedy, satire, and contemporary fables around navigating the art word, and succeeding without even trying.

About the Artist:
Multimedia artist Paul Rucker is an assistant professor and Curator for Creative Collaboration at VCUarts. He is currently an iCubed Arts Research Fellow and is leading the development of Richmond’s Cary Forward Museum, an interpretive arts center operating at the intersection of art, artifacts, and history.

Note: This performance contains explicit language, adult themes, and discussions on mental health, including depression and suicide. It may also include graphic depictions of police violence and lynching. Viewer discretion is advised.