Marc Merrill, left, Nancy Silverton and Kamasi Washington are among the speakers for the second season of The Genesis Talks. (photo courtesy of LACMA)

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art has announced the second season of The Genesis Talks, quarterly conversations bringing together some of the most daring and creative thought leaders.

For the second season of The Genesis Talks, LACMA CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director Michael Govan will speak with visionaries about the intersection of creativity in the worlds of art, food, fashion, gaming and music. The season’s featured speakers include co-founder of Riot Games Marc Merrill; acclaimed chef, cookbook author and restaurateur Nancy Silverton; and Los Angeles-born saxophonist, composer and bandleader Kamasi Washington. Additional speakers will be announced at a later date.

The Genesis Talks launched in 2025 as part of the museum’s multi-year partnership with Genesis. The collaboration generates innovative museum programming that deepens the museum’s connections to local and global audiences. The first year of The Genesis Talks featured conversations with Jeff Koons, Darren Walker and Mark Bradford, Peter Zumthor and Thelma Golden. The conversations are available for viewing at lacma.org/genesis-talks.

The second season of The Genesis Talks begins on Sept. 21, at 7 p.m. Govan and Merrill bring distinct but complementary perspectives on how bold vision and risk-taking shape the future of creative industries including art and gaming. The conversation offers a rare look at leadership across two seemingly different worlds, united by a shared pursuit of meaningful, lasting impact through creativity.

Govan will speak with Silverton on Jan. 19, discussing how cuisine – rooted in history and driven by imagination and connection – serves as both identity and storytelling.

Tickets are $10 for the public; $8 for LACMA members.

LACMA is located at 5905 Wilshire Blvd. For updates and information, visit lacma.org.