The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is set to host GIANTS: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys, a groundbreaking exhibition that marks the first major showcase of the Dean Collection—a private art collection owned by renowned musicians and cultural icons Swizz Beatz (Kasseem Dean) and Alicia Keys.

In a recent interview, Casey Riley, head of Mia’s Global Contemporary Art department, shared insights into the exhibition’s impact, her role as a curator, and the museum’s ongoing commitment to equity and representation in contemporary art.

A Landmark Exhibition

Organized by the Brooklyn Museum, GIANTS features nearly 100 significant works by Black diasporic artists, including Gordon Parks, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Lorna Simpson, Amy Sherald, and more. The exhibition reflects the Deans’ passion for supporting both established and emerging artists while fostering important dialogues about art, culture, and identity.

The exhibition was curated by Kimberli Gant, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, and Indira A. Abiskaroon, Curatorial Assistant, Modern and Contemporary Art, Brooklyn Museum.

Casey Riley’s Role in Bringing GIANTS to Mia

As a curator, Riley describes working in two modes: leading original research and exhibition development or serving as a host for important work curated by others. In the case of GIANTS, she plays the latter role, ensuring that the exhibition’s vision, developed by Gant and the Deans, is honored at Mia.

“Many of the ideas and selections do not come from me. It’s more about being a host,” Riley explains.

Beyond GIANTS, Riley and her colleagues work collaboratively to expand Mia’s holdings of outstanding works, including those by historically underrepresented artists. Through exhibitions like this, Mia continues to champion diversity, inclusion, and artistic excellence.

Ticket Information

GIANTS: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys opens soon at Mia. Individual tickets go on sale February 14. Mia members at the Contributor level and above can reserve tickets now: Get Tickets Here.

Stay tuned for more coverage of GIANTS and other exhibitions at Mia as the museum continues its journey toward inclusivity and artistic innovation.