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 creating 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.

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

Our commitment: July 7, 2020

• 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.

• Developing an Internal Task Force focused on increasing a culture of inclusivity in NOMA’s staff.

• 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.

• 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: July 27, 2020

• A local, nationally recognized organization will facilitate diversity and equity discussions and trainings with staff beginning in early August.

• 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

Our commitment: July 7, 2020

• Increasing the representation of BIPOC in our board membership to 25% in each year over the next three years.

COLLECTION | ACQUISTIONS | EXHIBITIONS

Our commitment: July 7, 2020

• NOMA is committing the rest of its 2020 art acquisition funds to acquire works by BIPOC artists, focusing particularly on those who are from, or work in, New Orleans. We recognize that the museum’s collection is not currently reflective of the community it serves, and consider this a first step towards a larger re-examination of NOMA’s collecting practices and a renewed commitment to diversifying the museum’s permanent collection.

• NOMA has closed The Greenwood Parlor. NOMA recognizes that we failed to take into account community voices and perspectives with this installation and we are working on a procedure for incorporating those voices in a path forward.

Update: July 27, 2020

• We have launched digital and printed feedback mechanisms within the museum for visitors to provide us with feedback on our exhibitions and collections. We encourage the public to provide their impressions and ideas.  This feedback will be reviewed by our entire staff and will inform changes and additions to our programming and future exhibitions.

• We invite our public to share questions and feedback with us through our online feedback form, which can be accessed in one of the following ways:

  • Visit noma.org/feedback

  • Text FEEDBACK1 to 555888 for a link to our feedback form.

  • Use your phone camera to scan a QR code that can be found throughout the museum.

• NOMA is currently engaged in reaching out to individual community stakeholders and community partners as we plan for broader input on The Greenwood Parlor.

• In addition,  we are currently creating a process for all our projects moving forward that encourages staff and community input through the establishment of an external group of community advisors.

PROGRAMS AND COMMUNITY

Our commitment: July 7, 2020

• Instituting facilitated community 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.

Update: July 27, 2020