Thirteenth International Conference on The Arts in Society

Abstract

There is an undeniable correlation between racial politics in the United States and the visibility of artists and cultural producers of color in American museums. Cultural institutions play a fundamental role in creating national values and reproducing historical, political and social relationships through their narrative and practice. Museum Hue navigates through these complexities and injustices of museums to paint a larger portrait of an ever-expanding, transnational, multicultural community. The organization works to foster the social cohesion, well-being, and economic impact for people of color through arts programs. The offerings vary from workshops, tours, panel discussions, etc to assist students and professionals learn necessary skills, build networks, and gain access to opportunities. These sessions promote museums and the arts field as a viable career path for creatives of color. In addition, Museum Hue simultaneously works to dismantle hierarchies through structural interventions needed to address systemic racism within cultural institutions. Museums are used as a medium to address social issues as well as create solutions to shift institutional frameworks. This movement includes the Hueniversal flag as a visual representation of Museum Hue’s work towards advocacy for people of color and resistance against racism. It anchors the mission to propel the visibility of creatives of color, disrupt the homogeneity of the mainstream art world, and support the global movement for racial justice. Museum Hue challenges society’s poverty of imagination through pedagogy, methodologies, visual art, and the cultural capital of communities of color. This actionable approach connects the arts field to the larger discussion of racial equity and inclusion beyond staff hires and gallery walls, but within the foundational policies of all cultural enclaves making museums more responsive and reflective of the world.