Can the Various Isms of the Arts and Higher Education in the Arts World Ever Be Dismantled?

In this episode of the Questioning Everything podcast, my guests, Celeste Cruz Carandang, Joe Sherren, and Mallory Ruymann discuss efforts to dismantle the many isms (i.e., racism, sexism, classism, and more) that plague the Arts world. 

Each individual has a unique background and connection to the arts. Celeste works at the University of Chicago where she received her master’s in Art History and where she oversees activities related to a Mellon Grant the institution received nearly two years prior. Joe has 7 years of experience working in small museums and historic houses as a Collections Manager and is an Adjunct Professor in Information Studies. Joe received his master’s in Art History from George Mason University. Mallory is a Jane of all art trades serving as an art historian, curator, art advisor, writer, and works as an Art Business Consultant to art galleries, art studios, and art organizations. In addition to these many positions and roles, Mallory is the Principal and Head of Curatorial Projects at a firm called Art Works. Mallory received her master’s in Art History from Tufts University.  

For more information on this topic, check out some of the links below:

• Links/Galleries shaking up the status quo:
  • Galleries run by people of color, such as Commonwealth and Council or Housing Gallery, are not only widely admired for their commitment to queer artists and artists of color but also for prioritizing their community over commercial success.
  • Deli Gallery - NY, Praise Shadows - Boston, MA
  • Interpreting LGBTQ in the historical sites - https://www.nps.gov/articles/lgbtqtheme-interpreting.htm
  • The “Rich Gay”? Small Museums & Funding “Difficult” History by Kelsey Brow & Joshua Buckner: https://curatorjournal.org/virtual-issues/the-rich-gay-small-museums-funding-difficult-history/
  • MD Humanities - The Power of LGBTQ Storytelling: https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-su987-d818ae?utm_campaign=w_share_ep&utm_medium=dlink&utm_source=w_share
  • LGBTQ America: A Theme Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer History: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/lgbtqheritage/upload/lgbtqtheme-interpreting.pdf
  • IG accounts to check out:
    • Cancel Art Galleries: https://www.instagram.com/cancelartgalleries/?hl=en 
    • Change the Museum: https://www.instagram.com/changethemuseum/?hl=en
• Higher education links of interest:
  • https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2019/04/lack-of-black-doctoral-students/587413/
  • https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/publication/86981/who_goes_to_graduate_school_and_who_succeeds_1.pdf
  • https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/publication/86981/who_goes_to_graduate_school_and_who_succeeds_1.pdf
  • https://www.equityinhighered.org/indicators/enrollment-in-graduate-education/

Got any episode ideas you’d like to share? Send us an email at q.e.podcast2020@gmail.com.