This course will explore the pervasive culture of systemic racism in art museums, which has long been entrenched in the practices, policies, and organizational narratives, shaping what is collected, displayed, and valued within these institutions. Rooted in colonial histories and Eurocentric ideals, museums have often excluded or marginalized works by artists of color and arts professionals of color while perpetuating narratives that uphold whiteness as the standard of artistic excellence. As such, American art museums have historically catered to elite white audiences, reinforcing social hierarchies and racial inequities.

Systemic racism within art museums has had a significant impact on Black artists and curators throughout history. Black artists have often been marginalized, excluded, and underrepresented in mainstream art institutions. This has resulted in a lack of recognition, opportunity, and resources for Black artists to showcase their work in a meaningful way. Furthermore, systemic racism has also affected Black curators within art museums. They face barriers to advancement, lack of representation in leadership positions, and limited access to resources and support. This perpetuates a cycle of exclusion and inequality within the art world, preventing diverse voices and perspectives from being heard and valued.

In recent years, calls for diversity, equity, and inclusion have prompted museums to confront these legacies and reassess their role in perpetuating inequality. However, progress has been glacial, and in extreme cases completely abandoned. Meaningful change requires not only diversifying collections and exhibitions but also addressing structural biases in hiring practices, decision-making processes, and community engagement. The ongoing challenge lies in transforming museums from spaces of exclusion into equitable platforms that genuinely reflect and celebrate the diversity of human creativity.

Centered around her 2021 TEDx Talk, Dr. Morgan dissects the irony of an art world that "celebrates" Black art while blatantly discriminating against Black people. Her powerful messages serve as a catalyst for conversations around privilege, bias, and inclusivity in the art museum sector, pushing institutions and museum professionals alike to rethink their practices and policies. By the end of this course, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of how systemic racism often manifests in art museums and be equipped with strategies to advocate for change.

Key Lesson Concepts:

• Black curators face barriers to advancement and lack of representation in leadership roles.
• Art museums must work towards creating more inclusive and equitable spaces to address systemic racism.
• Advocacy strategies for change.