Marcela V. Pirazan
Marcela Velandia Pirazan is an accomplished museologist and curator with eight years of international experience across museums in Colombia, Australia, and the United States. Passionate about amplifying diverse voices, her work focuses on representation, storytelling, and community engagement through art and culture. She has curated impactful exhibitions such as Latin Voices of Resilience, highlighting Latina women overcoming domestic violence, and has led public programs for youth and family audiences, creating meaningful connections between communities and museum spaces.
Currently, Marcela serves as Gallery Manager at Craig Anthony Miller Studio in Brooklyn, New York, where she manages the studio’s collection, curates exhibitions, plans events, and supports art marketing and sales. Her previous experience includes roles at the Seattle Children’s Museum, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Highline Heritage Museum, where she developed exhibitions, managed public programming, and leveraged social media to engage audiences. She is also a published author on qualitative research in art museums, reflecting her commitment to scholarship and knowledge sharing in the field.
Marcela holds a Master’s degree in Museology from the University of Washington and has received multiple scholarships for her academic excellence, including support from the Colombian government and a Seattle foundation. Looking ahead, she aims to continue creating exhibitions that highlight underrepresented communities, such as immigrant construction workers in New York, with a long-term goal of becoming a museum director and innovating within the cultural sector. Her work exemplifies the intersection of curatorial expertise, cultural advocacy, and community-centered programming.
• University of Washington- Master's
• Site Institute
• International House Brisbane
• Shafston College
• Pontificia Universidad Javeriana- Bachelor's
• Continuing Education Scholarship Seattle, WA
• Colfuturo
• Javeriana's Merit Medal
• Merit Thesis
• Saint Peter’s Medal Cross
• ICOM
• Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Program
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to consistency, perseverance, and resilience, along with staying grounded in storytelling, community connection, and authenticity throughout my cross-continental museum career.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to practice self-compassion, trust my instincts, and remain consistent, especially in a field that demands perseverance.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this industry to surround themselves with a supportive community and keep pushing forward, because passion paired with perseverance can open unexpected doors in the museum world.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field is balancing technology with the emotional and cultural value of art, while the greatest opportunity lies in innovating how museums connect with audiences through contemporary and community-based storytelling.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are transparency, trust, empathy, and a deep commitment to community, guided by a passion for storytelling, creative expression, and holding space for others.