Master of Arts, The Ohio State University, 2019, Arts Policy and Administration

Using the Columbus Museum of Art (CMA) in Columbus, Ohio as a case study, this thesis explores how American art museums can position themselves to become more diverse and inclusive institutions. The research comes at a critical moment when discussions concerning diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility are mounting in the museum field, the United States is consistently confronting problems with intolerance surrounding difference, and the nation's minority population is growing exponentially. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with staff members and volunteers associated with the CMA and the analysis of privately and publicly available documents. By examining the CMA's initiatives, relationships, and organizational priorities, four findings emerged: the visitor-centered focus of the museum positions the institution to better address diversity and inclusion work, the museum operates as an open system that leads to collaboration and innovation, the museum's emphasis on community relationships results in increased inclusion and diverse perspectives, and the museum provides varied programming that aims to serve a diverse audience. Based on the findings, this study concludes that museums striving to make a commitment to diversity and inclusion should consider operating as an open museum system with a visitor-centered focus and an emphasis on community relationships, as it may enhance diversity and inclusion work. The study also provides recommendations for improved diversity and inclusion work at art museums across the country.

Committee: Shoshanah Goldberg-Miller PhD (Advisor); Dana Carlisle Kletchka PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Arts Management; Museum Studies; Museums