The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Projects Council marked its 40th anniversary with the 13th Distinguished Women in the Arts Luncheon, honoring three visionary leaders whose work and philanthropy have shaped contemporary art and culture in Los Angeles and beyond.

The luncheon opened with welcoming remarks by Leslie Adler and Janey Sweet, Co-Presidents of the MOCA Projects Council, who reflected on four decades of the Council’s leadership and its enduring commitment to supporting MOCA’s exhibitions, education programs, and artists.

Ann Goldstein, Interim Maurice Marciano Director of MOCA, delivered opening remarks celebrating the legacy of the Projects Council and situating the honorees within a distinguished lineage of artists and arts leaders. Goldstein also highlighted the recent success of MONUMENTS at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA and the museum’s continued strength across exhibitions and education initiatives.

The program featured a presentation by Emmy-nominated writer, actor, and producer Natasha Rothwell, who honored Kenturah Davis, recognizing her multidisciplinary practice exploring language, identity, and perception. Davis accepted the award and offered brief remarks following a video tribute.

Deliasofia Zacarias, Board Co-Chair of the Arts Administrators of Color Network and Chief of Staff at LACMA, presented the award to Judith F. Baca, celebrating her groundbreaking career as a muralist, activist, and educator, and her lasting impact on public art and community engagement in Los Angeles.

A special musical performance of Königliches Thema (1976) by composer Isang Yun was introduced by Clara Kim, MOCA Chief Curator & Director of Curatorial Affairs, and performed by Amelia Sze of The Colburn School, underscoring MOCA’s interdisciplinary collaborations across the arts.

The afternoon concluded with Ann Goldstein presenting the Distinguished Women in the Arts honor to Pamela J. Smith, recognizing her decades-long leadership as a founding member and three-time president of the MOCA Projects Council, former MOCA Trustee, and Chair of the Fellows of Contemporary Art (FOCA). Smith accepted the award following a video tribute celebrating her legacy and the 40-year history of the Projects Council.

Closing remarks by Leslie Adler and Janey Sweet thanked the honorees, presenters, performers, and supporters, and reaffirmed the Projects Council’s essential role in advancing MOCA’s mission to make contemporary art accessible to all.

Image credit: Jojo Korsh/BFA