February 25, 2021 - Black History Month Panel Discussion

Written By Eric Lawton

On Thursday February 25, Art Unpacked founder Lynne Toye will moderate a panel on Equity & Representation in Contemporary Art. This virtual event is hosted by Art Table, a professional organization for women in the visual arts. This panel is open to everyone. Join us for this important conversation.

February 25 @ 12:00 pm Noon EST

Over the course of time in America, large swaths of art history have been omitted, erased, or ignored. This absence has created a significant void in the narrative around how people of African descent and people of color have contributed to the artistic canon.

The impact presents significant disadvantages for artists of color. From artists that have difficulty gaining representation, to art historians overlooking Black and Brown artists’ contributions, to collectors that do not have access to works they would like to acquire, the playing field has never been level. Bias shows up in art schools, in institutions, in hiring practices, in the primary and secondary art market, and in the critical voices that influence all of the above.

Recent news of high-profile curatorial appointments are a move in the right direction. However, there is significant work that remains to be done. What kind of new and inclusive art world can we as art professionals help to create ?

Join us for this interactive session on a very timely and important topic. The discussion will address questions surrounding this subject including:

  • What are the barriers to equity and representation and how can we, as leaders, make a difference toward that goal?

  • What does it feel like to be an “outsider” in the art world?

  • Why does diversity and representation matter?

  • How can institutions and art spaces be more accessible to all?

  • Black art is “hot” right now. Why?

  • How does diversity in art help us to understand each other in a complex multicultural society?

Panel Participants:

  • June Edmonds, Award-Winning Artist, Los Angeles, CA

  • Chela Mitchell, Art Advisor and Founder of Komuna House Global Arts Club, New York, NY

  • Dr. Kimberli Gant, McKinnon Curator of Modern & Contemporary Art at the Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA

  • Moderated by Lynne Toye, Founder of Art Unpacked, New York, NY

To register, visit arttable.org or click here

Eric Lawton