Newfields controversy

By Francesca Aton, newfields controversy. Following the unexpected exit of Newfields chief executive Colette Pierce Burnette in November, the Indianapolis museum has been rapidly losing members from its board of trustees.

Colette Pierce Burnette, announced departure from her position last week. Burnette, who is resigning after 15 months in her position, was hired after a racial controversy at the museum. It lead to a letter drafted by several artists calling for the immediate resignation of former CEO Charles Venable. The letter was signed by almost 2, other artists and former Newfields employees. After a month long search, the museum hired Dr. Burnette, previously president of historically black college, Huston-Tillotson University, as a replacement for Venable.

Newfields controversy

The resignations follow the November departure of a woman who was the president and chief executive officer, and four members of the Board of Trustees, which runs operations at the museum. In a sudden act, Colette Pierce Burnette left the top leadership job of the art and nature museum on Nov. Her appointment came after the February resignation of Charles Venable. The departure of Burnette led to backlash from dozens of protestors and a strong statement against the decision from nearly 20 community organizations. A representative with Newfields also confirmed those four members resigned but did not comment further on the matter. The representative did provide a point of clarification about the role of the Board of Governors and the Board of Trustees in the email to News 8. Barry Wormser independently confirmed he resigned in an email to News 8 but declined to comment further. Creatives of color continue to be underrepresented and underrecognized for their contribution to culture. All four members of the Board of Governors remained on the Newfields website as of 5 p. Newfields dates back to an art exhibition on Nov. That led to the Art Association, which in became the Indianapolis Museum of Art and in opened in a new facility at 38th Street and Michigan Road. Four members of the Newfields board of governors resign. Chris Gahl left and Barry Wormser. Colette Burnette. WISH Photo.

But those attending, newfields controversy, saw dozens of protestors outside the doors of the museum. On the same night as the protest, newfields controversy African American Coalition of Indianapolis and 18 other Black organizations signed on to the call for transparency. Librarian and activist Stephen Lane spoke at the gathering.

A news release sent Friday evening noted only: "Dr. The museum did not respond to a request made Tuesday for more information regarding the circumstances surrounding Burnette's departure. The loss appears poised to thrust Newfields, which houses the city's largest art museum in the Indianapolis Museum of Art, back into familiar controversy. In , Newfields was rocked by a string of racism accusations , most notably a job posting that sought a director to "attract a broader and more diverse audience while maintaining the Museum's traditional, core, white art audience. The posting and other incidents led to tremendous public outcry from the arts community and greater Indianapolis area.

A Newfields job posting that some critics have called racist has stirred an outcry from the community. It was also followed swiftly by the resignation of longtime Indianapolis art museum executive Charles Venable. The controversy springs from a Newfields job description that said the Indianapolis art museum was looking for a director who could foster more diversity while also maintaining the museum's "traditional, core, white art audience. Separate groups of community leaders and employees of Newfields publicly released letters calling for an immediate change in leadership — and other improvements — that they say needed to be initiated to make the museum more inclusive and responsive to the community. We have made mistakes. We have let you down," the statement read. We have ignored, excluded, and disappointed members of our community and staff. We pledge to do better. For those expressing outrage and frustration—we are listening.

Newfields controversy

A news release sent Friday evening noted only: "Dr. The museum did not respond to a request made Tuesday for more information regarding the circumstances surrounding Burnette's departure. The loss appears poised to thrust Newfields, which houses the city's largest art museum in the Indianapolis Museum of Art, back into familiar controversy.

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Following the six resignations, the board of trustees decreased from 30 to 24 members. In a sudden act, Colette Pierce Burnette left the top leadership job of the art and nature museum on Nov. Read More About: Newfields. Show Caption. January 9, pm. Indiana Week in Review. Wildstyle Paschall, artist and community advocate, said Burnette had just started the important work of building bridges. Colette Burnette. With the abrupt change, she thinks an explanation is due. Join host Brandon Smith and political experts as they dive into the debates shaping Indiana

By Alex Greenberger.

Board member Adrienne Sims resigned on Nov. You could try direct download? The Culture" exhibit at Newfields that delves heavily into issues of racial justice, did not provide comment by the time of publication. The board of governors is a cohort of volunteers who help the institution define programming and events. Copyright Scripps Media, Inc. It remains unclear why she left her post. A representative with Newfields also confirmed those four members resigned but did not comment further on the matter. WFYI Powered by WordPress. In a sudden act, Colette Pierce Burnette left the top leadership job of the art and nature museum on Nov. Sign up for the Breaking News Newsletter and receive up to date information. As part of a pledge to diversify its leadership, Newfields also named Darrianne Christian as the first Black woman to chair its Board of Trustees. After a month long search, the museum hired Dr.