Colette Pierce Burnette, the controversial leader hired to oversee the Newfields campus, which includes the Indianapolis Museum of Art, has stepped down from her role after 15 months in the position. Burnette’s appointment came after a racially insensitive job posting sparked outcry, leading to a series of initiatives aimed at addressing diversity and inclusion within the institution. However, her departure coincided with the arrival of a new museum director and comes as a surprise to many. The board has appointed Michael Kubacki as the interim president and chief executive of Newfields, both of whom are white. The museum’s recent exhibition, “We. The Culture: Works by the Eighteen Art Collective,” showcased the work of 18 Black artists and highlighted the museum’s efforts to promote diversity in its programming.
Background Information
Appointment of Colette Pierce Burnette
Colette Pierce Burnette was appointed as the president and chief executive of Newfields, which includes the Indianapolis Museum of Art, following a controversy surrounding a racially insensitive job posting. Prior to her appointment, Burnette served as the president of Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas. Her appointment as the first Black woman in this role was seen as a step towards addressing the issue of diversity within the institution.
Controversy over racially insensitive job posting
Newfields faced significant backlash in 2021 when its online job posting for a museum director explicitly mentioned a desire to diversify the institution’s audience while maintaining its “traditional, core, white art audience.” This wording was widely criticized as racially insensitive and sparked controversy within the art community. The incident prompted the organization to take action in order to rectify the situation and prioritize diversity moving forward.
Appointment of Belinda Tate
In an effort to address the concerns raised by the racially insensitive job posting, Newfields hired Belinda Tate as the new museum director. Tate, a Black woman, previously served as the executive director of the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts in Michigan. Her appointment was seen as a positive step towards promoting diversity and inclusion within the institution.
Apology and actions taken by Newfields
Following the controversy over the racially insensitive job posting, Newfields issued an apology for its wording and committed to taking steps to promote diversity and inclusivity. In addition to appointing a new museum director, the organization established a $20 million fund dedicated to acquiring art from marginalized groups. Newfields also made efforts to increase diversity within its board and implemented antiracism training for its staff. These actions were aimed at addressing the concerns raised by the incident and creating a more inclusive environment within the organization.
Recent exhibition at Indianapolis Museum of Art
The Indianapolis Museum of Art recently hosted an exhibition titled “We. The Culture: Works by the Eighteen Art Collective.” This exhibition featured works by 18 Black artists who had previously painted a 30-foot-tall Black Lives Matter street mural in Indianapolis in August 2020. The exhibition aimed to celebrate and amplify the voices of Black artists and promote dialogue about racial inequality and social justice.
Departure of Colette Pierce Burnette
Length of time in role
Colette Pierce Burnette served as the president and chief executive of Newfields for a relatively short period of time, stepping down from her position after just 15 months. Her departure came shortly after the arrival of a new museum director, Belinda Tate.
Arrival of new museum director
Belinda Tate was appointed as the new museum director of Newfields, following the controversy surrounding the racially insensitive job posting. Her arrival signaled a new chapter for the organization and was seen as a crucial step in promoting diversity and inclusivity within the institution.
Burnette’s departure
Colette Pierce Burnette’s departure from Newfields was met with surprise and speculation. The reasons for her departure have not been publicly disclosed, and Burnette herself has declined to comment on the matter. Her departure raises questions about the future direction of the organization and the challenges it may face in continuing its efforts towards diversity and inclusion.
Decline to comment
Despite the public interest surrounding Colette Pierce Burnette’s departure, she has chosen not to provide any comment on the matter. This decision has left many unanswered questions and has generated further speculation about the circumstances surrounding her departure. It remains to be seen how this will impact the perception of Newfields and its ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
Statement from Newfields Board
Board chairwoman’s statement
Darrianne Christian, the chairwoman of the Newfields board of trustees, issued a statement regarding Colette Pierce Burnette’s departure. In her statement, Christian acknowledged Burnette’s contributions to the organization, noting that she had helped deepen relationships with the community and championed the transformative powers of art and nature. Christian’s statement reflected the board’s appreciation for Burnette’s work and the organization’s commitment to continuing its mission under new leadership.
Relationships with community
One of the key aspects highlighted by Darrianne Christian in her statement was the importance of maintaining strong relationships with the community. Newfields recognizes the significance of engaging with and serving the local community, and Burnette played a role in strengthening these relationships during her tenure. The organization is dedicated to fostering a sense of inclusivity and accessibility for all members of the community.
Championing transformative powers of art and nature
Newfields seeks to be a catalyst for positive change and personal transformation through the power of art and nature. Colette Pierce Burnette played a role in championing this mission, recognizing the profound impact that art and nature can have on individuals and communities. Her departure does not diminish the organization’s commitment to this vision, and the board remains dedicated to promoting the transformative powers of art and nature under new leadership.
Appointment of interim president and chief executive
In light of Colette Pierce Burnette’s departure, the Newfields board appointed Michael Kubacki as the interim president and chief executive. Kubacki, who previously served as a board member and is the chairman of the local Lake City Bank, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the role. His appointment ensures continuity in the organization’s operations during the transition period and lays the foundation for a smooth leadership transition.
Interim President and Chief Executive
Appointment of Michael Kubacki
Michael Kubacki was appointed as the interim president and chief executive of Newfields following Colette Pierce Burnette’s departure. His extensive experience in leadership roles, including serving as the chairman of the local Lake City Bank, made him well-suited for this position. Kubacki’s appointment reflects the board’s confidence in his ability to guide the organization through this transitional period.
Background information on Kubacki
Prior to his appointment as interim president and chief executive of Newfields, Michael Kubacki had a successful career in the banking industry. As the chairman of the local Lake City Bank, Kubacki demonstrated expertise in managing organizations and leading teams. His professional background provides him with valuable skills and insights that can be applied to his new role within the art and cultural sector.
Comparison to previous role holder
As the interim president and chief executive, Michael Kubacki will be tasked with continuing the work initiated by Colette Pierce Burnette. While Kubacki may bring a different perspective and skill set to the role compared to his predecessor, his appointment signals a commitment to maintaining the momentum of the organization’s efforts towards diversity and inclusivity. Kubacki’s leadership will shape the strategic direction of Newfields during this transitional period.
Ethnicity of both Kubacki and Venable
It is worth noting that both Michael Kubacki and his predecessor, Charles L. Venable, are white. This raises questions around representation and diversity within the organization’s leadership. While diversity is an ongoing goal for Newfields, it is important to acknowledge the racial dynamics within the leadership team and consider the impact of these dynamics on the organization’s ability to address issues of race and representation effectively.
Recent Recognition for Colette Pierce Burnette
Winning Breaking Barriers Award
Colette Pierce Burnette recently received the Breaking Barriers Award, presented by Indiana Minority Business Magazine and Minority Business Review. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to promoting diversity and breaking down barriers within their respective fields. Burnette’s recognition highlights her commitment to fostering inclusivity and advancing social change.
Details of the award
The Breaking Barriers Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and advocacy for diversity and inclusion. Colette Pierce Burnette’s work in promoting diversity within Newfields and her efforts to address the controversy surrounding the racially insensitive job posting align with the core values of this award. The recognition serves as a testament to Burnette’s dedication and impact in creating a more inclusive art and cultural institution.
Significance of the award
The Breaking Barriers Award holds significance not only for Colette Pierce Burnette but also for Newfields as an organization. The award signals external validation of the institution’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. It also emphasizes the progress made under Burnette’s leadership, highlighting the positive impact of her efforts in advancing the organization’s mission. This recognition serves as a celebration of the steps taken towards a more inclusive cultural landscape in Indianapolis.
Conclusion
Marc Tracy, a reporter on the Culture desk, provides a comprehensive overview of Colette Pierce Burnette’s departure from Newfields and the surrounding circumstances. Tracy’s article delves into the background information, including the appointment of Burnette and the controversy over the racially insensitive job posting. The article also explores the actions taken by Newfields to address the issue and promote diversity and inclusivity within the organization.
The departure of Colette Pierce Burnette after a relatively short tenure raises questions about the organization’s future and its ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The statement from the Newfields board, as well as the appointment of Michael Kubacki as the interim president and chief executive, indicates the organization’s determination to navigate this transition period effectively.
Furthermore, the recognition received by Burnette through the Breaking Barriers Award highlights the impact of her work and the strides made towards fostering a more inclusive art and cultural institution. This recognition serves as a testament to the progress achieved under Burnette’s leadership and the significance of her contributions to the organization.
Overall, Tracy’s article provides a comprehensive and balanced perspective on Colette Pierce Burnette’s departure from Newfields, shedding light on the challenges and achievements of the organization in its pursuit of diversity and inclusion. Readers gain valuable insights into the dynamics within the institution and the steps taken to address the issues raised by the racially insensitive job posting. Tracy’s article serves as a thought-provoking read for those interested in the intersections of art, culture, and diversity.
