Newfields controversy

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

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.

Newfields controversy

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. Burnette opened the Newfields' doors to many African American organizations and the entire community, and we have personally witnessed the buzz and excitement around her leadership," IBE and Urban League said. The two organizations claim Burnette "abruptly" resigned from her position, which leads to questions of black talent recruitment and retention in Indiana. Their statement says all plans for expanding their partnership with the museum have now come to a "complete halt. Actions Facebook Tweet Email. By: Jacqueline White. Burnette as a pillar in the community. Colette Burnette. We were looking forward to expanding the partnership with Newfields in , which has now come to a complete halt. She has become a pillar in the community and her expertise and leadership are sorely needed in Indianapolis.

The coalition said it has "profound concern" and seeks clarity" on Pierce Burnette's departure from Newfields.

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.

By Alex Greenberger. Senior Editor, ARTnews. We have made mistakes. We have ignored, excluded, and disappointed members of our community and staff. We pledge to do better. This past July, Kelli Morgan, an associate curator of American art, resigned from the museum.

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. 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.

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January 9, pm. Art Collectors Expand the sub menu. Share your feedback to help improve our site! Burnette has had to date. Burnette, previously president of historically black college, Huston-Tillotson University, as a replacement for Venable. 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. Four members of the Newfields board of governors resign. Fishers — March 9, Highlights: Avon vs. Lane joined the Indianapolis Public Library Board after accusations of racism resulted in leadership changes. Librarian and activist Stephen Lane spoke at the gathering. ARTnews Expand the sub menu.

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.

Share your feedback to help improve our site! Related News. Fishers — March 9, Highlights: Avon vs. Sign up for the Breaking News Newsletter and receive up to date information. January 9, pm. A news release sent Friday evening noted only: "Dr. Newfields dates back to an art exhibition on Nov. We can't do it without you. These questions are not just conjecture; they stem from a discernible pattern in Indianapolis where Black professionals seldom see long tenures in executive roles. Morgan Private Bank, was the latest to resign in December. All rights reserved. We demand more information based on the positive impact that Dr. The board of governors is a cohort of volunteers who help the institution define programming and events. The letter was signed by almost 2, other artists and former Newfields employees.