Race, Representation and Museums: A Conversation

Thursday, May 25 4:30-6 PM

A 2019 study by Williams College found that 85% of the artists featured at 18 major U.S. art museums were white. While some museums have instituted changes in response to the lack of inclusivity and representation, the entrenched systemic racism central to this issue requires a radical shift — the introduction of a new paradigm for how museums operate. This conversation features three dynamic leaders in the field who will address paths forward and the barriers that impede rapid and profound movement.

Joanne Jones-Rizzi is vice president of science, equity and education at the Science Museum of Minnesota. She advises museums nationally and internationally on culture, identity, anti-racism, exhibition development and community engagement. Jones-Rizzi is the co-creator and concept developer of the award-winning exhibition RACE: Are We So Different? (Science Museum of Minnesota, 2007).

Porchia Moore is department head and assistant professor of museum studies at the University of Florida in the School of Art + Art History. Her research investigates the role and function of race in museums and the cultural heritage sector. She is the critical race futurist for The Incluseum and co-author of Transforming Inclusion in Museums: The Power of Collaborative Inquiry.

Yolanda Moses is professor of anthropology, associate vice chancellor for diversity, equity and excellence, and executive director for conflict resolution at UC Riverside. Dr. Moses’ research focuses on the broad question of the origins of social inequality in complex societies through the use of comparative ethnographic and survey methods. She is the co-author of How Real is Race: A Sourcebook on Race, Culture and Biology.