National Gallery of Art Closes Office of Belonging and Inclusion

Exterior of the National Gallery of Art, reflecting its historic significance and recent policy changes.

News Summary

The National Gallery of Art has announced the closure of its Office of Belonging and Inclusion, following a controversial executive order by President Trump. This order requires federal agencies, including museums, to terminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within 60 days. The NGA has replaced its focus on ‘diversity, equity, access, and inclusion’ with ‘welcoming and accessible’ and is now reviewing the implications of this policy shift. As other museums assess their own responses, it raises concerns about the future of diversity efforts within the arts sector.

National Gallery of Art Makes Controversial Move by Closing Office of Belonging and Inclusion

In a significant and perhaps surprising shift, the National Gallery of Art (NGA) has announced the closure of its Office of Belonging and Inclusion. This decision comes as a direct response to an executive order signed by President Trump, labeling many diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives as “illegal and immoral.” The order was issued on January 20 and requires federal agencies, including museums, to terminate their DEI programs within 60 days.

Shifting Language, Shifting Focus

Following this executive order, the NGA has made some notable changes to its website and mission. The phrase “diversity, equity, access, and inclusion” has been replaced with “welcoming and accessible.” This change reflects a broader strategy to comply with federal guidelines while also signaling a departure from the museum’s recent focus on DEI.

A Brief Look Back

The NGA had been deeply invested in improving its diversity standards, having initiated a rebranding campaign about four years ago that cost $820,000. This effort included redesigning its logo and mission statement, aiming to create a more inclusive atmosphere. The museum had formally acknowledged its shortcomings in diversity, pledging to hire a more representative staff, including the appointment of its first curator of African American art.

Changes in Leadership and Staffing

Interestingly, the office’s closure follows the resignation of the NGA’s chief diversity, inclusion, and belonging officer last year, indicating a turbulent time for the gallery’s commitment to these values. Meanwhile, two other employees from the Office of Belonging and Inclusion have already been reassigned to other positions within the museum, underscoring how rapidly things are evolving within the organization.

Operational Realities

The NGA operates with about 80% of its budget coming from federal funds, which has historically led the museum to avoid making waves with incoming administrations. This latest decision is an example of that cautious approach, especially pronounced during inauguration week where Vice President JD Vance was spotted attending a dinner at the museum.

Broader Impact on Museums and Arts Organizations

As the NGA navigates this sudden policy change, other museums and arts organizations are watching closely. Many are left contemplating how to respond to Trump’s executive order; for example, the Smithsonian Institution is currently reviewing its policies to assess the implications for its diversity programming but has not yet made any public comments.

Progress and Pushback

Until this recent move, the NGA had been making commendable strides toward diversity and equity, spurred by increased awareness of social justice issues following the tragic death of George Floyd. In 2020, a petition emerged from NGA employees, urging the institution to confront racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia more aggressively. The NGA had committed to enhancing diversity and anti-racism training to address these criticisms.

The Road Ahead

Now, this latest order has not only stalled those ongoing efforts but has also broader implications for various federal departments, affecting not just DEI initiatives but also accessibility projects and equity-related grants. The NGA’s recent adjustments could signal a significant step back in efforts to diversify its leadership and staff, raising questions about the future of representation in such a revered institution.

As the fallout continues, many stakeholders are left pondering—what will the National Gallery of Art look like moving forward? Will it return to its previous initiatives, or will it adapt in new ways? Whatever the outcome, the conversation around diversity, equity, and inclusion is certainly far from over!