*Hat-tip to The Pinky Show for completing biting their title
I wrote a post for my blog, Cabinet of Curiosities, bemoaning the lack of racial diversity (for the lack of a better word) in museums, particularly in leadership positions. It’s not like I expected things to miraculously change in the two years since it was written, but I confess that in my heart of hearts burned the desire that the collective ship would have at least begun to recognize that it was hopelessly off-course and begun the process of righting itself.
But in keeping with my sailing theme, it seems that not only has the industry failed to find its way, it has been magnificently obstinate about remaining lost at sea. Expand diversity to include ethnic, gender and age differences, and it’s even worse.
Museums Need to Admit They Have Image Problems
My former museum gig involved (among way to many things to list here) sitting in a very public space and discussing educational programs, how they actually allow us to have art Kansas City (“Wow! I can’t believe this is the Midwest!”), and helping them find the bathroom (right next door). It was also a prime spot to observe visitors’ perceptions of that museum in particular and the industry in general.
I often heard variations of the following:
- “I’m so glad to see you here.” This from black folks who appreciated the fact that I was in the building and operating in what seemed like a “professional” capacity (not food service, security, or maintenance.)
- “Why is there nothing but old, white man art on the walls?”
- “How come there’s no art by (insert ethnic/racial group here)?”
- “I haven’t been here since the third grade. It just doesn’t feel like a place for me.”
The last bullet is particularly troubling. Why would someone feel this way? What vibe, overt or otherwise, is the museum projecting? Are museum leaders aware that people think this? Do they care?
Museums Need to Admit The World Has Changed
Much literal and virtual ink has been devoted to rapidly changing demographics, particularly in the United States. It boils down to this: changes aren’t on the horizon, they are here. According to the U.S. Census Bureau:
- U.S. population tripled during the last century, with the fastest growth among “minorities.”
- In 2012, 50.4% of children in the U.S. under the age of 1 are of a “minority” group.
- “Minorities” are expected to become the majority by 2042. Do the math, people. That’s 30 years.
Anyone who truly believes that the status quo can be sustained is misguided at best and delusional at worst. Your current and future visitors, students, and donors will expect to see themselves reflected in your trustees, staff, collections, and exhibitions. This may be a good time to revisit (or create) that diversity policy.
Museums Need to Admit They Give Gen X the Gas Face
The National Endowment for the Arts released a report called “Age and Arts Participation.” While it narrowed its focus on the Baby Boomers Cohort, their data showed that “Baby Busters” (defined as those born between 1966 – 1976) ranked second highest in art museum attendance. Obviously, you have fans in Gen X but as a whole you’re not checking for us, especially when it comes to hiring for leadership positions. If you want your museum to be truly progressive, consider the following:
- Gen X is an untapped pool. We are highly educated, with 60% of us having some college education, yet we value experience as highly (if not more so) than formal education. We work more hours as a whole, love flexibility, and base our career choices on the potential for skill development and continuing education.
- Gen X is your next board of trustees. We are the most diverse generation alive, with less than two-thirds of its population reporting as White non-Hispanic. The U.S. Census reports that 29% of immigrants are aged 29 to 40.
- Gen X is adaptable. We are independent, adept at problem-solving and securing coalitions of the willing. While our foundation is in the early pre-information era, we came of age during the rise (and fall) of the dot-coms, and are well-versed in technological innovation. Connectivity is a key value, and given the proper due, we will become your biggest cheerleaders.
I believe there’s more than enough room for Gen X at the table. Museums just have to offer us a seat.
Gen X Says 
Excellent post!
I haven’t heard the term “Baby Buster” in a while. That group seems to be the closest thing to a fanatical core of Gen X. If we had people who strapped explosives to themselves for the cause, they’d come from this group. They’ve been frustrated the longest.
I do think museum professionals care, but to what extend they do anything that threatens the status quo is questionable. Their opinions may also diverge from those of their trustees or board members. Most aren’t going to simply make everyone scoot over and fetch you a chair at the table. This we’ll have to do ourselves.
Thank you!
I think a bit of fanaticism may be required in order to make these topics front and center. However, I understand it’s haarrrd for museum professionals to go against the status quo. It’s so tough to break into the field that you’re always warned to tone down the rabble-rousing or risk being shown the door. And even if you do feel that a change is needed, if you aren’t in a position to affect that change, what can you really do?
So I’m past the wishing and hoping stage and ready for action. I just thought I’d do the field the courtesy of requesting a seat before I pull up uninvited or, better yet, start crafting my own dining room set.
“Gen X is your next board of trustees. We are the most diverse generation alive, with less than two-thirds of its population reporting as White non-Hispanic. The U.S. Census reports that 29% of immigrants are aged 29 to 40.”!!
My Board chair is 42, like me 😀
That is so encouraging to know! All is not lost for sure.
Cheers Adrianne. That was fabulous. Now, how do we make Boomers pay attention? Someone should do a post on how Boomers like to get their information. I know there must be articles out there about the generational differences.