Cinco Preguntas with Jason Kirkland: Director of Exhibitions, Collections & Education at the Briscoe

Jason Kirkland is the Director of Exhibitions, Collections & Education at The Briscoe Western Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas. He spent a portion of his childhood in Mississippi then moved to San Antonio at the age of 12. In high school, he moved to Lubbock where he attended a magnet arts program and admits this was where he began to hone his passion for the arts. In college, he started out in Texas Tech's Studio Art program but missed being in San Antonio closer to family and friends so he transferred to UTSA and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

While pursuing his degree, he landed an internship with Artpace in San Antonio. When reflecting upon the experience he told us,

"It was a transformative experience that opened my eyes to the world of professional art. Working alongside renowned international artists, I delved into the inner workings of the art scene, gaining valuable insights and connections that fueled my passion for the arts. This experience was not only enlightening but also empowering, showing me the endless possibilities that a career in the arts could offer outside of just becoming an artist. I credit this experience for truly laying the foundation for my future in the creative industry."

We sat down with Jason to discuss more about his fascinating background, some advice that he would give his younger self, current exhibitions at The Briscoe, and his favorite spots in the museum and elsewhere in San Antonio.

MiSA:  Tell us more about your background in the entertainment industry.

JK:  Moving to Los Angeles in 2003 was a turning point in my career. As a gallery manager for Z Gallerie, I found myself craving a change from the retail scene. With a stroke of luck, I reached out to a client who worked for the William Morris Talent Agency. Before I knew it, I had secured an interview and landed a job in their personal appearance department. Although outside of the world of visual arts, I knew I wanted to be surrounded by other creatives, and working with successful musicians and singers was a dream come true. The fast-paced, high-energy environment of the talent agency kept me on my toes and challenged me in new ways. From coordinating appearances to handling logistics, I learned the ins and outs of the industry from some of the best in the business. The transition from retail to talent management wasn’t seamless, but I was challenged and grew in my new role. The connections I made and experiences I gained during my time at William Morris were invaluable, shaping me into the professional I am today. 

My time in the entertainment industry was a true trial by fire but reinforced my comfort in the areas of negotiation and project management. Dealing with the intricate web of paperwork and administrative tasks became second nature to me, allowing me to navigate the complexities of a cutthroat entertainment industry.  More importantly, servicing clients and tending to their every need was a key takeaway in building lasting relationships. This focus on client (now visitor) satisfaction has translated seamlessly into my work in the museum world, where attention to detail and personalized care is paramount. No different from orchestrating unforgettable live music events, and connecting talented performers with eager audiences, my work for the museum essentially does the same thing through art.

MiSA:  If you could give your younger self some career advice, what would it be?

JK:  Dear Younger Self,

As you navigate the ups and downs of life, remember to be patient. Not everything will unfold exactly as you imagined, but that’s part of the beauty of the journey. Embrace each job and role you find yourself in, give it your all, and most importantly, never stop learning. The skills and experiences you gather along the way will serve as invaluable tools in shaping your future. Trust in the process and have faith that everything will fall into place in due time.

-Your Older Self

MISA:  What are some exciting exhibitions and/or events we should be looking forward to at The Briscoe?

JK:  We just opened our summer exhibition entitled, Survival of the Fittest: Envisioning Wildlife and Wilderness with the Big Four. The walls are adorned with masterworks by a group of 19th century painters known as the Big Four for their unparalleled portrayal of wildlife and wilderness. [American Carl Rungius (born Germany, 1869 – 1959), Germans Richard Friese (1854 – 1918) and Wilhelm Kuhnert (1865 – 1926), as well as Bruno Liljefors (1860 – 1939) from Sweden.] 

Guests gaze at the power and beauty of these magnificent creatures in their natural settings, where untamed beauty reigns supreme and speaks to the eternal dance of predator and prey, reminding us of our place in the world and the delicate balance of life that surrounds us all. The exhibition serves as a powerful reminder of the awe-inspiring beauty of wildlife and the importance oof preserving the wilderness for generations to come.

Opening this fall, The Briscoe will feature an exhibition called Storytellers: Narrative Art and the West. Bringing together works from the New Mexico Museum of Art paired with works from the Briscoe’s permanent collections, this exhibition aims to celebrate the rich tapestry of stories woven into the history of the Southwest. It will be a testament to the power of art in conveying tales of resilience, culture, and heritage through the eyes of many talented artists. Examples of both traditional and contemporary artworks will offer visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the stories that defined the West and the threads that connect the past with the present.  

In the summer of 2026, as the nation will celebrate its 250th birthday, The Briscoe will unveil a groundbreaking exhibit Tejano Legacy: Another American Origin Story. The exhibit is aimed to delve deep into the complex multiethnic and multinational relationships that formed the unique Tejano identity. Guests will be transported back in time to the origins of Tejano culture - From Spanish conquistadors to the indigenous peoples, to the Mexican vaqueros, the show will portray these diverse roots that intertwined to give birth to the Tejano way of life. Through interactive displays, immersive storytelling, and artifacts dating back centuries, visitors will be able to trace the evolution of Tejanos over the years and their resilience and spirit, and hopefully leave with a deeper appreciation for the complexities of identity and a newfound understanding of the contributions made by Tejanos to the fabric of American society.

MiSA:  What is your favorite spot in The Briscoe and why? 

JK:  I am drawn to a few specific spots whenever I wander through the museum, but none quite captivates me like the historic Art Deco building that once housed San Antonio’s original public library, now a sanctuary for the museum’s invaluable collections. The beautifully restored interior, adorned with highly molded ceilings, presents a sense of grandeur and history – setting the tone for visitors to embark on their journey through history and art.

On the third floor, the Kate Marmion Gallery is the perfect space for smaller rotating exhibitions that breathe new life into the museum’s permanent collection. 

Yet another favorite spot lies on the second floor of the Jack Guenther Pavilion. A space dedicated to showcasing the museum’s larger special exhibitions throughout the year. It never ceases to amaze me how the exhibitions team works their magic, transforming the space entirely to suit the incoming show.

Each of these spaces is special and each offers a unique experience and a chance to immerse myself in the beauty and diversity that art offers. 

MiSA:  Where are your general go-to spots in San Antonio when you have some downtime?

JK:  For me, museums and galleries are my go-to spots where I can visually feast on so many wonderful objects and talented artists’ work. The San Antonio Museum of Art is like a second home (and former employer) where I can journey around the world through art and artifacts. The McNay Art Museum, with its grand architecture and serene grounds, offers a peaceful retreat.

I am also a passionate thrifter and have developed a keen eye for spotting hidden gems in the most unlikely places. A trip to Goodwill or Texas Thrift is not just a shopping excursion but a treasure hunt, where every dusty shelf holds the potential for a rare find. The thrill of discovery extends beyond thrift stores to antique shops, consignment stores, and estate sales scattered throughout the city. The thrill of uncovering a hidden gem, whether it’s a centuries-old artifact or a vintage item of clothing, fills me with a sense of accomplishment and wonder. 

For more information on the Briscoe Western Art Museum in San Antonio, visit briscoemuseum.org.