The Clark Art Institute condemns the persistent systemic racism that has fueled senseless brutality against Black people and people of color. We are outraged and saddened by the grievous murders we continue to witness. We are also appalled by the structural racism in our public service systems that have led to disproportionate losses suffered by Black communities during the pandemic. We stand in solidarity against racism in any form. Black lives matter.
Committing to change is the only way we can honor the legacies of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many others. We cannot look away from the truth of our nation’s simmering bigotry or from the institutional inequity that underlies cultural organizations like ours.
As a museum and a center for research, the Clark has much to learn and much to do in changing our institution in support of our mission and in service to our communities. Although our staff is working on issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, we have not done enough. We have a sense of immediacy and a deep commitment to making change happen, including hiring practices, programming, and expanding the ways we use and talk about art.
We live in troubled times. We can do better. We will do better.