Title: National Gallery of Art Ends Diversity Program Amid Political Shift
The National Gallery of Art, located in Washington, DC, has made the decision to bring its diversity program to a close, signaling a shift in its inclusion efforts. This move comes in response to an executive order signed by incoming US president Donald Trump on January 20. The order, titled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing,” deems diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives as “illegal and immoral,” directing the US Office of Management and Budget to terminate all discriminatory programs, including those related to DEI and ‘diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility’ (DEIA).
Founded by Congress in 1937, the National Gallery heavily relies on federal funding, receiving nearly 80 percent of its operating budget from the government. The institution’s ties to the administration are strong, as the current secretary of state serves as an ex officio trustee.
Last year, the museum’s chief diversity, inclusion, and belonging officer resigned prior to the election, leaving a void in leadership that was not yet filled when the directive was issued. Two other employees from the DEI office have reportedly been reassigned to different roles within the institution. A spokesperson for the National Gallery confirmed to The New York Times that the office of belonging and inclusion has been shuttered, with all related language removed from the museum’s website. The terms “diversity,” “equity,” “access,” and “inclusion” have been replaced with the phrase “welcoming and accessible” in the institution’s posted list of values.
In 2021, the National Gallery had made a public commitment to prioritize diversity, equity, access, and inclusion in its operations, aiming to diversify the narratives it presents, the methods of storytelling, and its staff composition. The museum had even allocated $820,000 towards a rebranding initiative and brought on its first curator of Latin American Art last spring.
Kaywin Feldman, the director of the National Gallery, played a pivotal role in steering the institution towards diversification in 2020. Meanwhile, the board, now under the leadership of Darren Walker, a former president of the Ford Foundation, has been at the forefront of advocating for equality and addressing systemic inequities. Walker, the museum’s first Black trustee, emphasized the importance of aligning with the law and upholding core values in the wake of the recent policy changes. He underscored that diversity not only fosters inclusivity but also enhances excellence in institutions like the National Gallery.
As the National Gallery of Art navigates this new landscape, balancing its commitment to diversity and inclusion with the evolving political climate, the future of its programs and initiatives remains uncertain. The decision to close the diversity program marks a significant turning point in the institution’s approach to inclusivity, prompting reflection on the intersection of art, politics, and social change.
