The Association of Art Museum Curators (AAMC) Foundation announced the Professional Alliance for Curators of Color (PACC), a new initiative designed to support curators of color around the globe. Leveraging the AAMC Foundation’s experience and networks, the PACC program seeks to address issues of isolationism, racism, inequity, and lack of access that are far too often the experience for BIPOC curators. The community alliance will include 30 curators of color who will have opportunities to engage with advisors, consultants, and liaisons, as well as with each other and the AAMC Foundation, to gain resources, networks, and access to advance their careers.
The Alliance members will meet regularly together in an open forum format with AAMC Foundation Executive Director, Judith Pineiro, and the program’s curatorial advisor and partner Kelli Morgan, Independent Curator & Museum Specialist. In addition, the PAAC will have direct points of contact with senior and notable liaisons of color in the curatorial, museum, and academic realm available for confidential questions and coaching. Similarly, for advice centered on broader, critical issues in nonprofit structure and management to advance their careers, the alliance will offer strategic connections to Lord Cultural Resources. As a group, they will also have three sessions with DEAI consultant, Tanya M. Odom, Ed. M., a consultant, writer, coach, and diversity, equity, and inclusion, and civil rights thought leader. Furthermore, the PACC will receive community building through one-on-one pairings with fellow Alliance members; AAMC membership and Art Curators Conference; an Alliance only online MightyNetwork site; and a stipend of support during the 10-month program.
“As part of AAMC Foundation’s ongoing efforts to create an inclusive, equitable, and diverse curatorial field, the PACC program was conceived to provide BIPOC curators with critical networking support and resources as they advance in their careers,” noted Judith Pineiro, Executive Director, AAMC & AAMC Foundation. “We acknowledge that one program will not change the field entirely, but, we hope that the program, along with all our DEAI efforts, will take the field another step forward.”
A total of 30 positions are available within the Alliance for those with 2-5 years working experience as a curator (including fellowships) in the nonprofit sector who self-identify as a person-of-color. To apply, a free, online application will open on Friday, March 19, and will remain open until all 30 slots are filled. There is no cost to apply or to participate in the program. This cohort-building experience runs 10 months (April 2021 – January 2022).
Throughout the pilot year of the program, the AAMC Foundation will continuously evaluate and adapt for future iterations. The PACC program is part of the AAMC Foundation’s commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and access and its mission to advance the curatorial field. The organization is dedicated to continuing the alliance in the future.
The Professional Alliance for Curators of Color is made possible with support from the Getty Foundation.
About AAMC & AAMC Foundation
Founded in 2001, the Association of Art Museum Curators (AAMC) & AAMC Foundation advances the curatorial field through forward-looking leadership in development and educational opportunities for learning and connecting at every stage of a curator’s career. In partnership with more than 1,300 members, we serve as a resource for the profession’s best practices, codes of conduct, and ethical standards. We provide a platform for the exchange of a broad range of information on critical issues driving the field, including diversity and inclusion, digital innovation, artistic voices and histories, and marketing and audience engagement. Our members include independent curators and staff members from 500+ art organizations and museums in eighteen countries, ranging from leading national institutions to community-based art organizations. Through our work, we serve members, professional colleagues, and the public, and our outreach reflects diverse perspectives within the field, often examining strategic directions of curatorial practice and art organization management. With a network spanning the globe, we are an ambassador and advocate for all art curators and the leading champion of their significant contributions.
