NOMA recognizes the legitimate issues in front of us and embraces the responsibility to address them. We apologize to our staff, the community-at-large and #DismantleNOMA for any hurt we have caused. We have directed our energies inward, seeking a better understanding of how we can create a more transparent and open work environment. Now, together, NOMA’s board, leadership and staff are undertaking an Agenda for Change, recognizing that this is a dedicated and ongoing process.
We also recognize that our internal practices have not been as welcoming or as inclusive as we would like them to be. We know there is work to do for NOMA, both internally and externally. We are committed to our BIPOC and LGBTQ community members and will show our commitment through our actions.
Meaningful change requires hard work, and can take time. We invite you to follow our progress in the weeks and months ahead as we become the institution we all aspire to be. Please revisit this page for updates.
Additional information may also be found at NOMA’s 90-Day Progress Report and a page of Frequently Asked Questions.
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
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Instituting facilitated staff conversations to ensure that all voices are being heard and to ensure that we do the work to address each of our own failings while advocating for improved institutional systems.
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Developing an Internal Task Force focused on increasing a culture of inclusivity in NOMA’s staff.
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Improving our hiring practices. When we are able to rehire, we are 100% committed to expanding the diversity of our staff, in every department, at all levels.
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Making an independent, outside ombudsperson available for employee relations needs and having such a person in place as soon as is practical but no later than the end of the year
Update: September 30, 2020
- NOMA has contracted an independent, outside group to assist with Employee Relations matter at the New Orleans Museum of Art, with the goal of strengthening employee relationships, identifying and resolving workplace issues and working to improve employee satisfaction. These partners have worked with NOMA to hold an all staff introductory session, as well as a training for staff at NOMA who are in supervisory positions.
- NOMA staff have completed the first round of facilitated small group discussions with a local, nationally recognized organization. The small groups will be reconvened in October to continue relationship building, sharing challenges and successes, and building out tools to bring about equity and inclusion in the workplace.
- As the first step in an ongoing series of trainings, all staff have completed introductory workshops with expert outside facilitators on Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion needs and practices throughout the organization. Upcoming 2-day trainings are scheduled to take place in Q1 of 2021.
- NOMA has contracted an outside consultant to provide strategic recommendations on developing a more diverse pipeline of candidates, and promoting open positions at NOMA to a more diverse audience, locally, regionally, and nationally. Through this partnership, NOMA also received recommendations on diversifying the museum’s media and marketing partnerships to add diversity to business relationships with vendors.
Update: August 18, 2020
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NOMA staff have begun facilitated small group discussions with a local, nationally recognized organization.
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Staff have begun participating in workshops with expert outside facilitators on Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion needs and practices throughout the organization.
Update: July 27, 2020
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A local, nationally recognized organization will facilitate diversity and equity discussions and trainings with staff beginning in early August.
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Final dates are being solidified with expert outside facilitators to conduct several workshops with staff on Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion needs and practices throughout the organization.
BOARD DEVELOPMENT
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Increasing the representation of BIPOC in our board membership to 25% in each year over the next three years.
Update: December 21, 2020
- NOMA’s Board of Trustees have elected a slate of seven new members to join the board in January 2021. The Board of Trustees works together to support NOMA’s mission of uniting, inspiring, and engaging diverse communities and cultures through the arts. Each new board member brings a set of experiences and expertise that will be of enormous assistance as we navigate 2021 and beyond, and help us continue our efforts outlined in the Agenda for Change. Read more about NOMA’s incoming members of the board.
Update: September 30, 2020
- The first group training session was completed in August, with others scheduled in October and November.
Update: August 18, 2020