The CMA announces its diversity, equity, and inclusion plan. The plan outlines a comprehensive and concrete series of initiatives that will advance the CMA’s recently adopted strategic plan, Making Art Matter, as the museum activates and strengthens its commitment to all audiences. While many strategies will be employed, the CMA has already received national recognition through a grant from the Ford and Walton Family Foundations’ Diversifying Art Museum Leadership Initiative (DAMLI), which will support the development of a pipeline of emerging art museum professionals from high school through graduate school. The Cleveland Foundation has also taken a leadership role in supporting these efforts at the CMA. In combination with the strategic plan and DEI plan, the grants strengthen the CMA’s commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level of the institution including its leadership, staff, volunteers, members, and visitors.
“The diversity, equity, and inclusion plan is the result of a year and a half of thoughtful work and collaboration between our board of trustees and a working group of staff and volunteers,” said William M. Griswold, CMA director and president. “The teams have come together to develop a clear, actionable plan that will work to deliver on the promise of our strategic plan and institutional mission—to create transformative experiences through art, for the benefit of all the people forever.”
“The Cleveland Museum of Art is committed to removing barriers and creating opportunities, using the collection as a means for bringing people together to learn, discuss, and draw inspiration from great works of art,” said CMA board chair Peter E. Raskind.
“As a museum dedicated to the art of every culture, place, and period, diversity is a core value. With this plan, we are poised to set an example and better represent the many audiences of our community and world,” said CMA trustee Helen Forbes Fields.
“The DEI plan is integral to achieving our vision and mission, fulfilling our promise and upholding our leadership values. We invite the community to send us comments and ideas at deiplan@clevelandart.org,” said Griswold.