The Lab explores collecting as an inclusive, community–centered practice, developed in collaboration with graduate students from the University of Southern California, California State University, Los Angeles, and ArtCenter College of Design. Participants were invited to reconsider who collects art and why, emphasizing collecting as a practice of care, collaboration and cultural stewardship. Central to the project were studio visits, research and the exchange of original artworks, through which each participant considered the interconnected roles of artists, curators and collectors. As a result of the art exchange, each artwork on view is imagined as the seed of a future collection, positioning students as stewards of one another's creative practices.

The space includes a resource library features catalogues, monographs and critical texts highlighting artists in the exhibition, as well as Harris Norton’s role as a lender and donor. A film produced by The Forgotten Herstory in collaboration with California State University’s ‘Community Impact Media’ course features Harris Norton in conversation with artist Mark Braford. Additionally, artists voices—including Mark Bradford, Charles Gaines, Glenn Ligon, Amy Sherald, and Gary Simmons—reflect on the personal and professional significance of Harris Norton’s support, underscoring collecting as an act of advocacy, trust and long-term care.

The Education Lab is part of Hauser & Wirth’s ongoing commitment to inclusive learning programs that foster dialogue between artists and diverse audiences. Education Labs are developed in collaboration with local community groups, schools and universities and take place across Hauser & Wirth locations in Menorca, Somerset, Downtown Los Angeles and at Chillida Leku museum. Learn more about ‘Destiny Is a Rose: The Eileen Harris Norton Collection’ and Hauser & Wirth’s Learning initiatives.