Rebecca Taylor FRSA is a cultural strategist, educator, researcher, and writer, with more than two decades of experience in the arts & culture sector, including leadership roles at MoMA PS1 and The Museum of Modern Art, New York (MoMA); The Getty; The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA); and beyond.
Rebecca is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) and a part-time lecturer in the Department of Arts & Humanities at Teachers College, Columbia University — the #1 Graduate School of Education in the U.S.
Teaching Experience
Teachers College, Columbia University (2023-Present)
Part-Time Lecturer & Teaching Assistant to Dr. Judith Burton (Chair of Art & Art Education Program)
Taught the first-year cornerstone course “Practicum in Arts Administration” in the ARAD Master’s Program. In addition, served as the TA for Dr. Burton’s signature courses on adolescent and childhood development and the arts.
CHRISTIE’S Education (2015-2023)
Lecturer, Contemporary Art Business Programme
Formulated a special course (research, curriculum and instruction) entitled ‘Decoding the Contemporary Art World’ to be a central component of CHRISTIE’S ‘Contemporary Art Business Programme’. The program offers students a comprehensive understanding of the art world infrastructure and learn about major themes in contemporary art. Also, taught short courses, including Rebecca’s signature ‘Art World Power Players’ course.
UCLA Extension (2006-2011)
Instructor, Contemporary Art History & Art World
Formulated and executed new courses: extensive research, curriculum development, presentation slides, handouts and other materials, field studies, etc. Courses included Exploring the LA Art Scene; Decoding the Contemporary Art World, The Art World Power Players; The Grand Tour: Biennials, Triennials, Quinquennials, and Art Fairs; Shock Value: Sensations & Controversies in Visual Art; and Inside the Artist’s Studio.
Research Projects
Re-presencing (ongoing)
A series of studies, including (1) a phenomenological qualitative study of NYC-based emerging adults (ages 18-25) at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Spring 2025) and (2) a longitudinal study with preservice English Educators, among others.
State of the Arts in Higher Education (AAHE) Study (ongoing)
This mixed Methods Study (survey and case studies) about the state of the Arts in Higher Education (Organization, Funding, Programming, etc.) is a collaboration with fellow AAHE members Claudia Dorn (Stanford University), Nicoleen Wilson (Johns Hopkins University), Debra Mexicotte (University of Michigan), Chloe Reison (University of Pennsylvania), Linsey Bostwick (New York University) and Daria Yudacufski (University of Southern California).
Attracting & Engaging Teens | Research on Best Practices & Survey of NYC Museums (2024)
Teens have long been a challenging demographic for art museums, yet limited data make it difficult to assess whether visitation is actually declining. In this study, I used a four-part methodology to explore the current dynamics between teens and museums: literature review, online survey of ten NYC visual art institutions, observation of two teen programs, and interview with the manager of Teen Arts Week, a citywide festival organized by 92NY. Findings will be featured in a forthcoming article in the Journal of Museum Education (JME).
Rebecca can be reached via email or social media [all links in the header].
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