Why is it difficult for the arts space to rapidly embrace change?

BY DAVE RANKIN

This past Wednesday I had the pleasure to sit in on a virtual discussion regarding leadership within the arts and culture sector. When I had first received the invite from my editor, my first thought was, “I wonder what the experiences of our people must be like while working in those spaces that have been dominated by the people who don’t look like us.” Topics such as xenophobia, unreal expectations, and decolonization immediately crossed my mind. As you can tell, the event sparked more than an interest.

Dave D’Oyen spearheaded the discussion in collaboration with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor to Ontario; The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell called the event a “timely conversation.” With the heightened focus on race related issues such as equality and diversification, the time for sustainable activity through meaningful dialogue was just the catalyst these challenges needed. The Lieutenant Governor cemented her position on this matter by paraphrasing the great Lincoln Alexander “The arts bring us together. It builds the bridges we need.”

The program was moderated by the Director of Marketing,Toronto, Josh Dyer who then introduced: three strong sisters who have excelled in their field; Executive Director of MacLaren Art Centre Karen Carter, President & CEO of Art Gallery of Hamilton Shelley Falconer, and Director of the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, Gaëtane Verna. With close to, if not over, 100 years of combined experience, I was excited to hear these sisters speak.

Josh wasted no time in getting to the heart of the matter when he asked, “Why are there so few black leaders in this space?” Art Gallery of Hamilton, Shelley Falconer’s response was spot on when she stated that “The pipeline that produces museum professionals happens to be white and it starts there.” Instantly, the remark had the chat room abuzz with tell it like it is statements. Additionally, Gaëtane Verna from the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery cited that although she is very “proud of the diversity she sees so far in Toronto, the rest of the nation needs to catch up.”

Josh’s follow up question was equally as potent as his first one. “Why is it difficult for the arts space to rapidly embrace change?” Ms. Falconer once again took the lead when she mentioned, “It wasn’t until the BLM movement that really put a focus on what was missing in the museum sector. 89% of leadership is white.” MacLaren Art Centre’s Karen Carter added that, ”Climate seems to be ready for the change, but how do we continue to apply the pressure?”

Pressure I thought. That thing that bursts pipes and turns rock into diamonds. Yes, how does one, let alone a community within the arts space continue to apply the pressure needed for the necessary change?

For starters, you write a letter to all the Art Institutions and Organizations across the nation demanding that those who “Continue to operate within the frameworks based on colonial power dynamics, take action toward cultural equity and effective inclusion,” like the Black Curators Forum did. This groundbreaking letter was a healthy point of reference for all three panelists.

Then you follow up with proving them wrong when you “Don’t have the 100 days to implement change like some of my counterparts have had,” said Gaëtane Verna. Personally, this statement echoed like the beat of the drum from a not too far distance. The fact that these highly qualified stalwarts within their areas had to begin change in “increments” just to not rock the boat is little absurd in this day and age. Especially when their counterparts have made top-to-bottom changes with absolute autonomy.

While the change we continue to seek may not happen immediately, it is a widely known fact that when the value systems of the sector are diverse and equitable a shift will take place within the arts community. Until then, the arts will continue to be the “space where tough conversations should happen.”