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When Netflix cofounder Reed Hastings acquired Utah’s Powder Mountain ski resort in 2023 for an undisclosed amount, he immediately transformed it into a private members club. By setting aside 2,000 acres of the mountain, Hastings made this area accessible only to nearby homeowners who pay an annual fee of $30,000 to $100,000. Inherited with a $100 million debt from the purchase, Hastings needs innovative ways to balance the books.
Despite the exclusivity, Hastings, who serves as the chairman of Powder Mountain, opened the remaining parts of the mountain to the general public. He also announced the development of a public art park featuring large-scale sculptures and land artworks.
“At Powder, we want every experience—from the ski resort to the residential community to the outdoor art museum—to be intentional, and the integration of art into the mountain is a manifestation of that consideration,” Hastings said. “Our goal is to transform Powder into a multi-season destination, blending recreation, art, and meaningful connection for our entire community.”
Matthew Thompson leads Powder Mountain’s new arts program, having devised the concept alongside Alex Zhang, the company’s chief creative officer, and independent curator Diana Nawi. Nawi was recently appointed curator of contemporary art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Utah native Paul McCarthy plans an immersive installation inspired by the mythology of the American West. He expressed his excitement, noting the influence of Utah and its landscapes on his work. Zhang lauded the participating artists, considering them “some of the most groundbreaking of our time” and highlighted how their creations will correspond to the mountain’s rugged terrain.
Other artists like Arthur Jafa, EJ Hill, Nikita Gale, Gala Porras-Kim, Davina Semo, and Raven Halfmoon have also been commissioned for the project, with more artists to be announced soon.
