The Controversy Surrounding the New Orleans Museum of Art’s Curator of African Art
The recent announcement by the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) regarding the appointment of a white woman, Amanda M. Maples, as the new curator of its African art collection has sparked a wave of criticism. Despite citing Maples’ “breadth of experience” in the field, many social media users expressed their disappointment in the museum’s decision to overlook candidates of African descent for the position.
Questions were raised about the lack of representation and diversity in the hiring process, with users like Sara Joy Carminati and Laura Gentle highlighting the importance of having a curator who can truly relate to the black or African experience. The museum, however, defended its choice by emphasizing Maples’ academic background and her previous work in the field.
Maples, who holds a PhD in Visual Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and has experience as a curator of Global African Arts at the North Carolina Museum of Art, will be leading the organization of an upcoming exhibit at NOMA titled “New Masks Now: Artists Innovating Masquerade in Contemporary West Africa.” This collaboration with institutions in Africa and North America aims to expand the museum’s African art collection with a contemporary vision.
In response to the backlash, NOMA released a statement acknowledging the importance of diversity and inclusion within the institution. The museum plans to host a town hall to openly discuss issues of race and equity in museums, demonstrating a commitment to addressing concerns raised by the public.
This controversy is not unique to NOMA, as other institutions like the Brooklyn Museum have faced similar criticism in the past for hiring white curators for African art collections. Despite the backlash, these museums have stood by their decisions, citing the expertise and qualifications of the appointed curators.
In conclusion, the debate surrounding the appointment of a white curator for an African art collection highlights the ongoing need for diversity and representation in the museum field. By listening to feedback and engaging in open discussions about race and equity, institutions like NOMA can work towards creating a more inclusive and anti-racist environment for both staff and visitors.
New Orleans Museum of Art under fire for hiring white woman as new African art curator
In a controversial move, the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) has faced backlash for hiring a white woman as its new African art curator. The decision has sparked debate within the art community and has raised questions about diversity, representation, and cultural appropriation.
The Hiring Controversy
The appointment of a white woman to oversee the museum’s African art collection has been met with criticism from both within and outside of the museum. Many argue that the position should have been filled by a person of African descent in order to better represent and honor the culture and heritage of African art. Critics have accused NOMA of perpetuating systemic racism and colonialist attitudes by hiring a white curator for this role.
Response from NOMA
NOMA has defended its decision, stating that the new curator was chosen based on her qualifications, expertise, and passion for African art. The museum has emphasized that diversity and inclusion are important values within the institution, and that they are committed to promoting and celebrating African art and culture.
Benefits and Practical Tips
When hiring for positions that involve the curation of art from specific cultures or communities, it is important to prioritize diversity and representation. Here are some practical tips for museums and art institutions:
- Consider the cultural background and expertise of candidates when making hiring decisions
- Engage with and listen to feedback from the community when making curatorial choices
- Promote diversity and inclusion within the institution to ensure a more representative and respectful approach to curation
Case Studies
There have been several high-profile cases in the art world in recent years where institutions have faced criticism for their lack of diversity in hiring practices. These cases have sparked important conversations about representation and cultural appropriation within the art community.
Firsthand Experience
Many people within the art world have shared their own experiences of facing discrimination or bias based on their race or ethnicity. These firsthand accounts highlight the need for greater diversity and inclusion within the industry in order to create a more equitable and respectful environment for all art professionals.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding the hiring of a white woman as the new African art curator at NOMA highlights the ongoing challenges faced by institutions in promoting diversity and inclusion within the art world. It serves as a reminder of the importance of thoughtful and intentional hiring practices that prioritize representation and respect for all cultures and communities.
