catherine SCOTI scott is a performance artist, dancer, cultural worker and ethnologist based in Los Angeles. She received her MFA from Otis College of Art & Design, BA in Political Science and studied a masters in Dance and Ethnology at UCLA. She performed at Palm Springs Museum of Art, Made in LA 2018, REDCAT, 18th Street Art Center, Highways Performance Space, Beta Main Museum and Ben Maltz Gallery in Los Angeles and has held workshops at Open Engagement in Chicago and at USC in Los Angeles.

Artist statement

Storyteller, culture worker, shape shifter …
A human being’s sole purpose is to live in harmony with the universe and all that the universe encompasses.

My work is the intersection of spirit, mind and body played out in a public setting.

Call & Response has been how the work begins. An issue, object or experience will pull me to it evoking some deeply rooted resonance that takes its shape and initiates an emerging process. My whole being responds and my body becomes apart of an articulated narrative - Drawing from the historical and the contemporary. My intention is to create a sacred space where all senses are activated : responsive, meditative, inspired - possibility and transformation realized.

download full CV

This document is a comprehensive CV of Catherine Scott, detailing her extensive education, awards, exhibitions, collaborations, curatorial work, teaching, and professional experience in arts, community engagement, and cultural projects.

Education and Awards

  • Holds an MFA in Public Practice from Otis College of Art and Design, a BA from Rutgers, completed coursework for an MA in Dance Ethnology at UCLA, and pending thesis for an MA in Human Development at Pacific Oaks College.

  • Recognized with multiple awards, including grants from the Smithsonian, the Alliance for Traditional Arts, and scholarships from Otis College, highlighting her leadership, community engagement, and contributions to cultural arts.

Exhibitions and Performances

  • Has curated and performed in numerous solo and group exhibitions and performances, notably "Holla!", "Politics of Water," and "Wassermelon 2.0."

  • Participated in international screenings and festivals, including Documenta 15, and engaged in projects exploring feminism, embodied knowing, and community-based art.

  • Notable residencies include Milwaukee and Los Angeles, emphasizing her focus on creative placemaking and community bridging.

Collaborations

  • Worked with various artists and institutions such as BRIC Brooklyn, Hammer Museum, REDCAT, and LA Pocha Nostra, contributing as performer, producer, and collaborator in public art, video, and performance praxis.

  • Engaged in collective projects like Grupo Etcetera and NO WORK / NO SHOP, emphasizing collaborative public art and community-driven initiatives.

  • Participated in projects addressing social issues like violence against women and cultural identity.

Curatorial, Presentations, and Conferences

  • Delivered lectures, workshops, and panels on community engagement, racism in art, and cultural practices at institutions including USC, Open Engagement, and Getty.

  • Organized and curated exhibitions and conferences focused on multicultural arts, Afro-Brazilian art, and traditional crafts.

  • Served on panels and grant committees for arts organizations and city agencies, supporting arts funding and policy.

Experience and Teaching

  • Held leadership roles in museums such as the Museum of Latin American Art and California State University Long Beach,  Craft and Folk Art Museum , California African American Museum , focusing on participatory practices and community engagement.

  • Worked as an educator at Otis College, Cypress College, and UCLA, teaching dance, multicultural arts, and professional development workshops.

  • Extensive background in arts administration, project management, and community-based arts programming, emphasizing social justice and cultural representation.

Overall, Catherine Scott’s career integrates artistic practice, community engagement, curatorial leadership, and education, emphasizing social justice, cultural identity, and participatory arts.