Michele Y. Smith, CEO of The Museum of Pop Culture — Interview Series

Credit: Natalie Post, Post Productions — The Museum of Pop Culture

The Museum of Pop Culture, a Seattle-based haven for the world of music, gaming, and cultural heritage, is on the cusp of broadening its offerings to include an array of interactive exhibits and, from the sounds of it, an entirely separate wing dedicated to independent gaming. To learn a bit more about some of the work that MoPOP is currently doing, we decided to reach out to museum CEO, Michele Y. Smith.

Thanks for taking the time to speak with us, Michele. Could you please introduce yourself to our readers? Who are you, and what brought you to the world of pop culture?

Michele: Thank you for having me. My name is Michele Y. Smith, and I am the CEO of the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) in Seattle. My journey into the world of pop culture is deeply rooted in my personal history and professional experiences. Growing up, my mother was one of the first Black ballerinas in Philadelphia, instilling in me a profound appreciation for the arts. Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about leveraging cultural institutions to create inclusive and engaging experiences for diverse audiences. When the opportunity to lead MoPOP arose, I saw it as a perfect platform to merge my love for the arts with my commitment to community engagement and cultural preservation.

We’d love to hear a bit more about The Museum of Pop Culture. Tell us, why pop culture? What inspired the decision to explore this world, and why do you think it’s an important part of our heritage?

Michele: Pop culture is a powerful lens through which we can understand and connect with the world. It influences our music, fashion, language, and even our social norms. At MoPOP, we believe that exploring pop culture allows us to celebrate the creativity and innovation that define each generation. It’s an important part of our heritage because it reflects the collective experiences and identities of diverse communities. By delving into pop culture, we can engage with historical and contemporary issues in a way that is both accessible and relatable, fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts and humanities.

Credit: Museum of Pop Culture

Let’s talk about some of the exhibits that you host at the museum. What can potential visitors expect to find?

Michele: Visitors to MoPOP can expect an immersive experience that spans various facets of pop culture. Our exhibits cover everything from music and film to science fiction and video games. For example, our Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame transports visitors to fantastical worlds, while our Sound Lab allows them to experiment with different musical instruments and recording equipment. We also have exhibits dedicated to iconic artists and cultural movements, providing a comprehensive look at how pop culture has evolved over the years. Each exhibit is designed to be interactive and engaging, ensuring that visitors of all ages find something that resonates with them.

Are we right in thinking that you also host an area dedicated entirely to indie gaming, too? Tell us, what sparked the decision to branch out to the gaming industry?

Michele: Yes, that’s correct. We have an area dedicated to indie gaming called Indie Game Revolution. From the beginning, one of our main goals with this exhibition has been to argue that video games are an artistic medium that can express the whole of the human experience. Video games culturally are often seen as not important, frivolous, and not contributing to deeper societal conversations. We wanted to push back against that, arguing that video games, and “indie” games in specific, with their focus on smaller teams and more personal points of view, connect deeply with contemporary cultural vectors and tap into what makes us human. So while Indie Game Revolution is a lot of fun, our focus for the exhibition and the games we have chosen is to hone in on how games are just as important an art form as any other, how they reflect contemporary popular culture, and how they connect us in our journey as humans. By showcasing indie games, we aim to highlight the diversity and richness of the gaming community and celebrate the contributions of independent developers to the broader landscape of pop culture.

Could you tell us about some of the independent games that you currently host at the museum? Do you have any major plans to expand the collection over the coming weeks, months, or years?

Michele: Currently, our Indie Game Revolution exhibit features a rotating selection of games that showcase a variety of genres and styles. Some of the games we’ve highlighted included titles like “LUNA The Shadow Dust,” “Astrolander,” and “Hill Agency: PURITYdecay,” each known for its unique artistic approach and gameplay mechanics. Looking ahead, we have plans to expand our collection to include more diverse and international indie games. We’re also exploring partnerships with indie game developers to host exclusive events, game launches, and developer talks, providing our visitors with an even richer understanding of the indie gaming scene.

Credit: Museum of Pop Culture

Indie Game Revolution — what is it, and how exactly does it touch base on the growth of indie gaming as a whole? Would you say that it’s an educational experience?

Michele: Indie Game Revolution is an exhibit that celebrates the creativity and impact of independent game developers. It explores the rise of indie games and their influence on the broader gaming industry. The exhibit offers visitors a chance to play a curated selection of indie games, learn about the development process, and hear stories from the creators themselves. The exhibit features the stories of more than forty independent video game developers, designers, coders, composers, and critics. MoPOP presents a dynamic, immersive space inviting you to witness the present and future of gaming as it unfolds. It’s definitely an educational experience as it provides insights into the technical and artistic challenges of game development, as well as the cultural significance of indie games. Through this exhibit, we aim to inspire and educate visitors about the innovative spirit that drives the indie gaming community.

We’re tickled even pinker than usual to be named one of the Top 15 Museums in the United States by Trips To Discover! Feeling real fancy here alongside the Getty, the New York Met, and our best-bud neighbor Chihuly Garden and Glass.

Read here > https://t.co/lviik1JUFw pic.twitter.com/vch1sRL433

— MoPOP (@MoPOP) May 19, 2023

We also hear that MoPOP is launching a new Gaming Series. Can you tell us more about that?

Michele: Yes, MoPOP is excited to announce the launch of our new Gaming Series! Each program in the series explores different types of gaming, from 8-bit classics to tabletop games and beyond. Offered free with museum admission, our Gaming Series programs feature interactive elements throughout the museum, including art-making stations, community partners, film screenings, and, of course, opportunities to play games and connect with fellow gaming fans. Program themes change with each event, allowing us to explore a wide range of gaming formats and styles.

This series kicked off in July 2024 with Pixel Power, exploring the pixel-based aesthetics of 8-bit gaming through a pixel art station, interactive 8-bit gaming stations (including the chance to play these games on the Sky Church screen!), and a screening of “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World.” Join us on September 14 as we dive into the world of tabletop gaming with curated games from Mox Boarding House, a screening of “Clue,” and more! Our 2024 series will wrap up on November 9 with an exploration into Hip Hop games as part of our annual celebration of Washington State Hip Hop History Month. Visit our website for more information and to reserve your tickets!

So, how’s the fourth quarter of 2024 looking for you and the folks at The Museum of Pop Culture? Do you have plans to implement any new exhibits or displays into the museum’s network? If so, could you kindly tell us a bit about it/them?

Michele: The fourth quarter of 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting time for MoPOP. We are honored to announce our upcoming special exhibition, Keith Haring: A Radiant Legacy. This limited-run exhibition will offer museum visitors an immersive celebration of the iconic artist’s life, work, and activism through over 270 Keith Haring artworks and objects.

Additionally, we’re excited to continue our educational outreach efforts with the Outreach Kit: Journey to the Cave of Bemagorn. This program brings classic fantasy role-playing games to life with a fully produced audio adventure featuring interactive props and puzzles. It’s designed for use in grade 4-12 classrooms and educational centers, offering students the opportunity to work together to overcome obstacles in the sprawling Caves of Bemagorn, retrieve a magical healing gem, and save the village. The kit includes handcrafted fantasy props and original artwork by Jen Vaughn, along with a fully-produced radio play. Educators can customize the adventure by inserting their own math problems into the story, making it adaptable to any classroom or learning environment.

Credit: Museum of Pop Culture

Lastly, is there a way for future guests or fellow pop culture enthusiasts to stay up to date with the team’s latest projects? Are there any social channels, live events, or newsletters that we should be taking note of?

Michele: Absolutely! We encourage everyone to stay connected with us through our various communication channels. You can follow us on social media platforms like Instagram, and we also have a newsletter that highlights upcoming exhibits, special events, and exclusive offers. Additionally, our website features a comprehensive calendar of events and detailed information about our exhibits. We’re always excited to engage with our community and share the incredible work happening at MoPOP.

Any final words for our readers?

Michele: I would like to thank everyone for their continued support and enthusiasm for MoPOP. Our mission is to celebrate pop culture in all its forms and to create a space where everyone feels welcome and inspired. We look forward to continuing this journey with you and hope to see you at the museum soon. Your engagement and passion are what make MoPOP a vibrant and dynamic cultural institution.

Thanks for your time, Michele!

For more information on The Museum of Pop Culture, be sure to check in with the team over on their official social channel here. Alternatively, you can visit the website for additional updates here.