Jean Anne Durades, Panelist

Workforce pioneer, arts advocate and educator focused on promoting African American artists.

Jean Ann Durades is an arts advocate, mentor, and long-time supporter of cultural institutions in the Twin Cities. Over her 60-year career, Durades has been deeply involved in the arts community, volunteering as a guide at the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) and curating Durades Dialogues, a series of tours that highlight African American artists and other artists of color.

Durades was the first African American woman to become field consultant with the YMCA. In 1970, she became the first African American woman to hold the position of Regional Associate on the National Council of the YMCA.

In addition to her arts advocacy, Durades has been a mentor to young people, worked with organizations like Restorative Justice Community Action, and supported the local arts scene through regular involvement with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Dakota Jazz Club, and other venues. Her passion for art, particularly African American art, extends to her own extensive collection, which has included pieces by African, Native American, and Asian artists.

Durades continues to educate and engage the community through her advocacy for greater representation and inclusion in the arts.

Durades Dialogue: Mitchell Squire & James Garrett, Jr.

"The Durades Dialogue honors the actions of arts-advocate Jean Ann Durades. The Dialogue brings significant work by artists, curators, and other creatives of African descent to the attention of Minnesota audiences. Topics are oriented toward global perspectives on the creative arts that challenge, rework, and reposition Africa within the global conversation." Learn more