RAMA’s Ongoing Progress Report of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Efforts
Installation view of OBJECTS REDUX: Clay, Glass, and Metal, 1960–1985
Photography: Jon Bolton
Institutional Focus on Craft
Since 1990, when Racine Art Museum Association, Inc. (RAMA)’s Wustum Museum decided to focus 40-50% of its efforts on collecting and exhibiting works in craft media, the general operating principle has been one of accessibility. Theoretically, even to this day, craft is not wholeheartedly accepted as a viable framework for creative endeavors in all corners of the art world. By choosing an emphasis on craft—in a state that has shown a strong interest in the approach and in a regional area that supports craft as a mode of handwork and as reflective of diverse ethnic backgrounds—RAMA establishes itself as a space that can support people and approaches that have been historically underrepresented and undervalued. Future endeavors can and should build on this perspective—not only addressing accessibility as a metaphor but further working to create spaces that are accessible in terms of race, socio-economic status, gender, and any other factor that impacts participation in a community.
The following is a listing of actions taken in most recent years that exemplify RAMA’s commitment to these efforts.
2021
- Began an ongoing review of organizational language that addresses diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
- Began an ongoing internal audit regarding the heritage of artists in the collection. Will establish a statement that will be published on website collection pages regarding this process.
- Introduced signage that lists artists of color (as well as artists who identify as women who make up 41% of artists represented in the collection) whose works are included in each exhibition.
- Introduced portfolios (collections of images and information) on the website that highlight artists of color and artists who identify as womenfrom the collection.
- Developed exhibitions programming that showcases artists of color including a semi-permanent “showcase” space at Wustum.
- RAM Showcase: Objects, open December 15, 2021 through May 28, 2022.
- Established an expanded and diverse pool of potential jurors for the RAM Artist Fellowship/Emerging Artist program and juried exhibitions.
- Began asking artists who participate in juried exhibitions to share if they identify as a person of color with the option of answering with yes, no, or prefer not to answer.
- Continued a commitment made in 2010 to pay interns who work on the permanent collection to make these positions accessible to broader groups of students.
2022
- Drew from an expanded jury pool to employ two artists of color to select work for two separate Wustum exhibitions.
- Worked with University of Wisconsin-Parkside faculty on collaborative programming opportunities related to artists of color.
- Partnered with the Black Arts Council of Racine to organize Wustum exhibition, Cultural Reflections.
- Introduced internationally-known Haitian artist to local audiences via exhibition inclusion and outreach programming.
- Introduced black Chicago area artist to local audiences via exhibition inclusion and outreach programming and subsequently added his work to RAM’s collection.
- Established partnership with Art Bridges that allowed/will allow for expanded artist representation and outreach support for future exhibitions and programs.
- 24 of 42 social media posts produced by Exhibitions Department addressed artists of color.
- Added the work of seven artists of color to RAM’s collection via support of Windgate Foundation grant and newly established Artists of Color Acquisition Fund.
- Established an Artists of Color Acquisition Fund to acquire the work of artists of color for the collection, primarily of those not yet represented at RAM.
- Marketing Department developed a website page dedicated to the artists-of-color RAM Showcase exhibition series.
- Continued work on ongoing internal audit regarding the heritage of artists in the collection. Will establish a statement that will be published on website collection pages regarding this process.
- Continued spotlighting artists of color and women featured in exhibitions through separate signage.
- Continued RAM Showcase exhibition series—focused on highlighting and maintaining the presence of artists of color at both campuses.
- Continue ongoing review of organizational language that addresses diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
- Drawing on community response, modified the process for asking artists who participate in juried exhibitions about their heritage.
- Of the 232 individual artists whose works were shown at RAM in 2022 (so, primarily artists represented in the collection), 116 were women and 70 were artists of color. Of the 302 individual artists whose works were shown at Wustum in 2022 (so, primarily artists loaning works), 188 were women and 47 were artists of color.
2023
- Produced the first full-color printed gallery guide to accompany RAM Showcase exhibitions, which center on artists of color.
- Increased potential impact of RAM Showcase exhibitions by adding exhibition collateral with artist portraits, bio panels, and/or artist statements as well as video segments that are linked to the website whenever possible.
- Debuted the first new acquisitions from the Windgate Foundation grant and linked them to the newly established Artists of Color Acquisition Fund. Worked with featured artists as they promoted their acquisitions and inclusion on their social media platforms.
- Achieving greater equity in diverse voices by hiring artists of color for exhibition and collection photography, which is used in various print and digital formats.
- Instituted programming to highlight equity-based acknowledgment via “celebratory” months such as Black History Month or Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Platforms include education programming, social media, and informational emails for staff highlighting related artists on display and/or in RAM’s collection alongside external informational links.
- Partnered with Mahogany Gallery of Racine to organize the Wustum exhibition, Futures Reimagined: RAM Community Art Show and the Mahogany Gallery-curated display within Futures Reimagined titled Black Futures 2.
- Engaged in exhibition planning with local Hispanic/Latina artists for 2024 programming.
- Featured a community-curated exhibition as part of RAM’s Twentieth Anniversary programming.
- Worked with the University of Wisconsin–Parkside and their newly established artist residency program to acquire the work of Roberto Torres Mata, their inaugural resident.
- Updated technology at RAM’s Wustum Museum to better support viewing of works on the second floor—accessible by stairway only—from the first floor
- Featured artists of color in 25 of 44 social media posts on multiple platforms highlighting works from the museum’s permanent collection.
- Continued spotlighting artists of color and women featured in exhibitions on separate wall signage.
- Continued presenting exhibitions in the RAM Showcase series, which highlights and maintains the presence of artists of color at both campuses.
- Continued ongoing review of organizational language that addresses diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
- Drawing on community response, modified the process for asking artists who participate in juried exhibitions about their heritage.
- Worked with University of Wisconsin–Parkside faculty on collaborative programming opportunities related to artists of color.
- Began utilizing strategies in daily museum practices that allow for resource conservation, such as carbon-neutral shipping options, reusable packaging materials and supplies, and eco-friendly sealants.
2024
- Organized the largest exhibition to-date exclusively featuring artists of color from RAM’s collection, Craft in Color (42 artists).
- Finalized permanent collection acquisitions by artists of color—owing to a grant to add work in craft media, RAM acquired 17 works by 12 artists of color (one collaboration) over the last three years. Several of these works have been featured in exhibitions to-date or will be debuted in upcoming programming.
- Engaged with a Black contemporary jeweler to develop a future solo exhibition based on work from RAM’s collection.
- 20 of 45 social media posts about work from the collection addressed artists of color; 26 of 45 addressed the work of women.
- Continued spotlighting artists of color and women featured in exhibitions through separate signage.
- Continued the RAM Showcase exhibition series—highlighting and maintaining the presence of artists of color at both campuses.
- Continued hiring various artists of color to photograph RAM collections work, exhibitions, and events. Promoted these voices on social media.
- Continued programming to highlight equity-based acknowledgment via “celebratory” months, such as Black History Month or Asian American Pacific Islander Month. Platforms include education, social media, and informational emails for staff highlighting related artists on display and/or in RAM’s collection, as well as external informational links.
- Continued offering in-depth biographical details (artist portraits, bio panels, and/or artist statements as well as video segments that are linked to website, when possible, for RAM Showcase exhibitions.
- Drawing on community response, modified the process for asking artists who participate in juried exhibitions about their heritage.
- Worked with University of Wisconsin–Parkside faculty on collaborative programming opportunities related to artists of color.
Educational Programs and Outreach
RAM on the Road program
Photography: RAM Staff
2020
- Focused on diverse artists in the collection and around the world through Outreach 5.
- Created new program content for RAM on the Road Second Grade program and focused on story telling specific to artists of color in the collection.
2021
- Featured a diverse group of artists and created art using recycled materials for the new Zero Waste Eighth Grade Art program, critically highlighting how communities of color are often impacted negatively by plastic pollution and environmental hazards such as Environmental Racism.
- Instituted a program to specifically work with Family & Community Engagement Centers/Family Empowerment Series (FES).
- Provided art programs, take home art projects, and online activities, many of which focused on artists of color
- Partnered with FES to provide programs during Family Days at a variety of Community Schools:
- National Hispanic Heritage Month
- Martin Luther King Day
- Black History Month
- Women’s History Month
- Partnered with the Black Arts Council of Racine to provide collaborative programming and support with the goal to build a stronger network of artists of color in the area by providing free art making activities for families.
- Created and provided a variety of online, at-home family activities that are inspired by and showcase artists of color or women from the permanent collection.
2022
- Formed a partnership with Scott Terry and Mahogany Gallery to identify future ways to collaborate including RAM participating in the Black Expo, as well as hosting several meetings with Scott to grow relationship.
- Hired artist of color to teach classes.
- Hired one person of color as a General Museum Assistant.
- Offered over 20 on-site free community programs at both campuses with a DEIA focus. Programs related to a loaned piece by Haitian-born artist Edouard Duval-Carrié entitled, Lost at Sea, and the Wustum exhibition, Cultural Reflections were centered on the work of and artists of color from the collection and in current exhibits. These included:
- A Poetry Night at Wustum partnering with Black Arts Council of Racine and Family Power Music
- A two-day workshop with visiting artist Paul Andrew Wandless.
- An Artists Talk with Scott Terry and Paul Andrew Wandless at Mahogany Gallery
- A special Lost at Sea-inspired program for The Longest Day with the Aging and Disability Resource Center and Alzheimer’s Association.
- Kids Day at Wustum
- Free Summer Drop In for Arts
- Free First Friday family programs at RAM
- A SPARK! poetry day led by a poet of color who received compensation; facilitated a program with business owner of color; and hosted four SPARK! programs related to Cultural Reflections.
- Continued to partner with Black Arts Council of Racine.
- Created 12 social media posts with at-home art projects inspired by the work of artists of color.
- Over twenty RAM on the Road programs were focused on women artists and artists of color in RAM’s collection, as well as the featured summer loan work, Lost at Sea. Topics covered such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Haitian Day, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Native American Heritage Month. These included:
- RAM on the Road free community art-making events with the Racine Unified School District Family Engagement Centers, Community Schools, and City Parks and Recreation.
- SPARK! on the Road programs
- Offered online engagement trainings with Edouard Duval-Carrié’s Lost at Sea as one of the featured artworks.
- Facilitated 80 second and fifth grade programs that heavily focused on artists of color and women artists.
- Revamped the Eighth Grade Zero Waste program to include more artists of color who work with recycled materials.
- Children’s summer art classes and camps used the Cultural Reflections exhibition as inspiration for projects and artistic endeavors.
- Offered an accessibility training session with docents and other museum professionals at the annual SPARK! conference and training.
- Created an internal education documenting system of tracking.
- Partnered with other Midwest Museum Professionals in Zoom discussions to identify areas of concern and start investigating better inclusivity practices.
- RAM partnered with ArtRoot to identify artists of color to include in local art selection for Hotel Verdant.
2023
January
- Created a Virtual Art Activity celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
- Partnered with Racine Unified School District’s Family Engagement program and the City of Racine to bring RAM on the Road to the Dr. John Bryant Community Center and the Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Community Center in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
February
- Created a Virtual Art Activity celebrating Black History Month.
- Hosted a Free Drop-in for Art at RAM’s Wustum Museum celebrating Black History Month.
- Hosted a Free Family Hands-on Art Activity during First Friday at RAM celebrating Black History Month.
- Partnered with Racine Unified School District’s Family Engagement program and the City of Racine to bring RAM on the Road to the Dr. John Bryant Community Center, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, and the Cesar Chavez Community Center in celebration of Black History Month.
- Provided a $500 sponsorship for Mahogany Gallery’s annual Black Arts and Culture Expo.
March
- RAM hosted Artists Respond: Walking Tour with Mutòpe Johnson and Scott Terry as part of Mahogany Gallery’s Black Arts and Culture Expo.
- Created a Virtual Art Activity celebrating Women’s Herstory Month.
- Hosted a Free Drop-in for Art at RAM’s Wustum Museum celebrating Women’s Herstory Month.
- Hosted a Free Family Hands-on Art Activity during First Friday at RAM celebrating Women’s Herstory Month.
- Partnered with Racine Unified School District’s Family Engagement program and the City of Racine to bring RAM on the Road to the Dr. John Bryant Community Center and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in celebration of Women’s Herstory Month.
- Brought RAM on the Road to Gilmore Fine Arts and Oak Creek High School to offer hands-on art-making projects inspired by Women’s Herstory Month.
- Brought RAM on the Road to Trinity Lutheran Church to offer an art activity inspired by a Black artist in RAM’s collection.
April
- Created a Virtual Art Activity inspired by an artist of color in RAM’s collection who creates work using recycled materials—a tie-in to RAM’s Zero Waste Initiative.
May
- Hosted a Free Drop-in for Art at RAM’s Wustum Museum based on a culturally inspired piece on display in Racine Unified Student Art Exhibition 2023.
- Hosted a Free Family Hands-on Art Activity during First Friday at RAM celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
- Provided two RAM on the Road projects at Horlick High School Spanish programs.
June
- Featured printmaker Roberto Torres Mata as a guest artist at the annual Kids Day event at RAM’s Wustum Museum. Offered multiple hands-on experiences that highlighted the exhibition Futures Reimagined: RAM Community Art Show and Mahogany Gallery-curated Black Futures 2.
- Kids’ summer classes and camps were specifically aligned with the content in Futures Reimagined: RAM Community Art Show and Mahogany Gallery-curated Black Futures 2.
- Offered two SPARK! memory loss engagement programs—specifically The Longest Day—inspired by the themes and artwork associated with Futures Reimagined: RAM Community Art Show and Mahogany Gallery-curated Black Futures 2.
- Created a Virtual Art Activity featuring an artist of color from RAM’s collection.
- Hosted a Free Family Hands-on Art Activity during First Friday at RAM inspired by an artist of color from RAM’s collection.
July
- Hosted the first annual Groovin’ in the Garden live music event at RAM’s Wustum Museum in partnership with Mahogany Gallery. Over 120 attendees enjoyed by a musical lineup consisting entirely of performers of color.
- Presented SPARK! memory loss engagement programs inspired by Futures Reimagined: RAM Community Art Show and Mahogany Gallery-curated Black Futures 2.
- Offered two RAM on the Road art inclusion programs at Sonnenberg Schools for children with Autism, both of which featured artists of color from RAM’s collection working primarily in ceramics.
- Created a Virtual Art Activity featuring an artist of color from RAM’s collection.
- Hosted a Free Family Hands-on Art Activity during First Friday at RAM inspired by an artist of color in the museum’s collection.
August
- Kids Summer Art Camp was specifically aligned with Futures Reimagined: RAM Community Art Show and Mahogany Gallery-curated Black Futures 2, including a student gallery night with over 100 attendees.
- Partnered with Racine Unified School District’s Family Engagement program to bring RAM on the Road to Back to School events at community schools.
September
- Presented SPARK! memory loss engagement programs themed around the work of 2022–23 RAM Artist Fellowship Recipient Peter F. Aymonin.
- Created a Virtual Art Activity celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month.
- Hosted a Free Drop-in for Art at RAM’s Wustum Museum celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month.
- Hosted a Free Family Hands-on Art Activity during First Friday at RAM celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month.
- Designed and offered two art-making experiences inspired by National Hispanic Heritage Month during Downtown Racine’s Party on the Pavement.
- Partnered with Racine Unified School District and United Way of Racine County to bring RAM on the Road to Julian Thomas Elementary School for an event inspired by National Hispanic Heritage Month.
October
- Created a Virtual Art Activity celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month.
- Partnered with Racine Unified School District and United Way of Racine County to bring RAM on the Road to Julian Thomas Elementary School and Mitchell School for an art activity inspired by National Hispanic Heritage Month.
November
- Created a Virtual Art Activity celebrating Native American Heritage Month.
- Hosted a Free Drop-in for Art at RAM’s Wustum Museum inspired by an artist of color from RAM’s collection.
Throughout 2023
- Facilitated 54 RAM on the Road Second Grade programs for 1,066 participants, all featuring artists of color and women artists in RAM’s collection. Starting in the fall of 2023, the art-making project was based on a Hispanic artist in RAM’s collection.
- Taught 28 Outreach 5 programs for 1,255 participants, all inspired by work from the RAM Showcase exhibitions at RAM’s Wustum Museum.
2024
January 2024
- Online Art Activity inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
- RAM on the Road MLK Day at MLK Center and John Bryant in partnership with Racine Unified School District/Family Engagement/City of Racine.
February 2024
- Online Art Activity related to Black History Month.
- Black History Month Drop in at Wustum featuring guest April Harris, a local artist and CEO/President of the Black Arts Council of Racine.
- Free Family Hands-on Art Activity related to Black History Month during the Downtown Racine Chili Ice Walk.
- RAM on the Road art project at Knapp Elementary/Community Schools inspired by the work of Paul Andrew Wandless in correlation with Black History Month.
- RAM on the Road art project at Julian Thomas Elementary/Community Schools inspired by the work of Sam Gillian in correlation with Black History Month.
- RAM on the Road art project with three grades at Trinity Lutheran inspired by the work of Kevin Snipes in correlation with Black History Month.
- Sponsored Mahogany Gallery’s Black Arts and Culture Expo at the $500 level.
March 2024
- Hosted the Mahogany Dialogues: Special Edition at RAM—Black Voices in Contemporary Sculpture with artists Mutòpe Johnson and Trenton Baylor as part of Mahogany Gallery’s Black Arts and Culture Expo.
- Online Art Activity inspired by the work of Toshiko Takaezu in correlation with Women’s Herstory Month.
- Free Drop-in for Art at Wustum related to Women’s History Month.
- Free Family Hands-on Art Activity at RAM related to Women’s History Month.
- RAM on the Road art project at Gilmore Fine Arts inspired by the work of BIPOC women artists in correlation with Women’s History Month.
- RAM on the Road art project at Oak Creek High School inspired by the work of BIPOC women artists in correlation with Women’s Herstory Month
April 2024
- RAM on the Road art project at two Oak Creek schools inspired by the work of Russel T. Gordon.
May 2024
- Partnered with the Spanish Center of Racine to produce Spanish-translated versions of school program handouts.
- Partnered with the Spanish Center of Racine to produce a Spanish-translated rack card promoting free Education programs throughout the summer.
- Online Art Activity inspired by Tina Fung Holder in correlation with Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
- Free Family Hands-on Art Activity at RAM inspired by Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
- Art Day with Julian Thomas students at MLK Center with featured local poet/artist Mboya Sharriff from Wall Poems of Racine.
June 2024
- Produced a Spanish-translated promotional flyer for Kids Day, a free community art-making event at Wustum.
- Online Art Activity related to Pride Month.
- Free Family Hands-on Art Activity at RAM related to Pride Month.
July 2024
- Groov’n in the Garden at Wustum, an outdoor concert series produced in partnership with Mahogany Gallery; over 80 attendees; all musicians and singers were people of color.
- BIPOC RAM artists featured in Online project—Kinngait Prints.
- Free Family Hands-on Art Activity at RAM inspired by the work of BIPOC artists in the museum’s collection.
August 2024
- RAM on the Road Back-to-School event partnering with Racine Unified School District/Family Engagement/Community Schools.
- Opened Nicole Acosta: HOOPS—Beyond the Aesthetic Lies the Story at Wustum.
- FF hands-on art making at RAM—art project inspired by Rene Amado.
- Trained a Spanish Center in Green Bay to be a SPARK! facility and host creative programs for people with memory loss in Spanish.
- Spanish translated Fall Education Rack Card
September 2024
- Hosted the HOOPS Table Read and Community Conversation with Nicole Acosta and B~Free at the Racine Theater Guild. This program also included a sign language interpreter.
- RAM on the Road program at Julian Thomas in partnership with Racine Unified School District and United Way that was inspired by the RAM exhibition Low: René Amado and the Wustum exhibition Nicole Acosta: HOOPS.
- SPARK! engagement programs inspired by the work of Nicole Acosta.
- Online Art Activity inspired by the work of René Amado in correlation with National Hispanic Heritage Month.
- Free Drop-in for Art inspired by the work of Nicole Acosta in correlation with National Hispanic Heritage Month.
- Two art-making experiences during Downtown Racine’s Party on the Pavement inspired by the work of artists Nicole Acosta and René Amado.
- Hosted a Meet the Artist event with Nicole Acosta and René Amado during Party on Pavement.
- Published a job posting for Bilingual (Spanish Speaking) Community Educator in English and Spanish.
October 2024
- Began RAM on the Road 2nd Grade programs inspired by the exhibition RAM Showcase: Storytellers—Narrative Photography from Artists of Color; utilized images by René Amado and Nicole Acosta—all second grade classes in the Racine Unified School District.
- Online Art Activity inspired by the work of René Amado in correlation with National Hispanic Heritage Month.
- Free Drop-in for Art at Wustum inspired by the work of Nicole Acosta in correlation with National Hispanic Heritage Month.
- RAM on the Road program at Mitchell Middle School inspired by the work of Nicole Acosta in correlation with National Hispanic Heritage Month; partnership with Racine Unified School District and United Way of Racine County.
- RAM on the Road program at Knapp Elementary inspired by the work of Nicole Acosta in correlation with National Hispanic Heritage Month; partnership with Racine Unified School Districtand United Way of Racine County.
- Free Family Hands-on Art Activity at RAM inspired by the work of René Amado
November 2024
- Hosted an evening artists talk with Nicole Acosta and René Amado at RAM.
- Coordinated an artist talk with Nicole Acosta and René Amado at the University of Wisconsin–Parkside.
- Free Family Hands-on Art Activity at RAM inspired by the work of René Amado.
- Online Art Project inspired by the work of Linda Wabaniminkee Matson in correlation with Native American Heritage Month.
- Free Drop-in for Art at Wustum inspired by the work of Nicole Acosta.
- Created Holiday Tree with ArtRoot to decoratively highlight visual and literary women artists of color.
- Director of Education presentation at Carthage College highlighting the exhibitions Nicole Acosta: HOOPS and Low: René Amado.
December 2024
- Free Drop-in for Art at Wustum– Adorned Inspired (BIPOC in Collection).
- RAM on the Road program at Knapp Elementary inspired by the work of Nicole Acosta and René Amado; partnership with Racine Unified School District and United Way of Racine County.
- RAM on the Road program at Mitchell Middle School inspired by the work of Nicole Acosta and René Amado; partnership with Racine Unified School District and United Way of Racine County.
- RAM on the Road program at Julian Thomas Elementary School; partnership with Racine Unified School District and United Way of Racine County.
Throughout 2024
- Facilitated 52 RAM on the Road 2nd Grade programs heavily featuring artists of color and women artists from RAM’s permanent collection. In fall of 2024, the art making project was themed around Hispanic artist in RAM’s collection.
- 52 total of 1,067 participants in 2024.
- Taught 28 programs of Outreach 5 projects with projects themed around women artists and BIPOC artists in the Wustum exhibition RAM Showcase: Focus on Clay in the spring, and themed around Nicole Acosta: HOOPS in the fall.
- 1,102 total attendees.
General Operations
Group tour of All in the Family: Featuring Kelly and Kyle Phelps
Photography: RAM Staff
2021
- Developed DEIA Statement and shared it with diverse constituents for feedback and further revision.
- As part of the Strategic Plan, completed the first phase of an institution-wide salary survey and analysis that resulted in pay increases for staff members whose compensation levels were significantly below median levels for the field, region, and discipline.
- Provided access and encouraged staff to use working hours to participate in the Racine County United Way Diversity Challenge-Parts One and Two.
- Provided access and encouraged Board and volunteers to participate in the Racine County United Way Diversity Challenge-Parts One and Two.
- Offered and encouraged diversity and equity training through educational programming such as the SPARK! virtual conferences.
- Explored and implemented new networks to reach a more diverse pool of candidates for open staff positions and volunteer and docent recruitment.
- Met with local college art professors to explore people of color as possible candidates for education-oriented roles such as teachers, general museum assistants, and education assistants.
- Continued Free First Fridays (since 2008) and provided family guest passes to be checked out from the Racine Public Library and used by anyone for free admission at any time (since 2016).
- Recruited/Invited 12 Latino or African American artists and chefs (16-total) who were featured at SAVOUR—RAMA’s annual premiere fundraising event.
- Reached out to the following potential community partners to explore new relationships and initiatives with the following:
- ArtRoot, a committee of artists and arts advocates working to revitalize Racine through the arts
- Nicole McDowell, Executive Director of Engagement and Equity, Racine Unified School District (RUSD)
- Family Engagement Center staff, a support center for local people of color
- April Harris, Black Arts Council of Racine
- Kristina Campbell, Art for Uptown
- United Way of Racine County/RUSD Community Schools
- Kristina Wantanabe, Wings of Fire Consulting and Phoenix Wellness Center, Gateway Technical College
- Scott Terry, Mahogany Gallery
- René Amado, RAM Emerging Artist Fellowship Recipient
- Lisa Marie Barber, University of Wisconsin-Parkside, RAM Artist Fellowship Recipient
- Lisa Bigalke, Carthage College, RAM Artist Fellowship Recipient
- Deontrae Mayfield, the Main Project and Café
- Tasia White, TaejaVu’s on Main
- Angela Zimmerman, Executive Director, Racine Public Library
- Midwest Museum Equity Group
- Mallory Umar, Assistant Director of Curriculum and Instruction, RUSD
- Added Martin Luther King Day to the museum calendar as a staff holiday.
- Re-iterated institutional support to staff and encouraged scheduling flexibility to celebrate religious and other holidays that are meaningful to them.
- Continued implementation of scholarships for studio art classes for children and adults to encourage participation regardless of the socio-economic status of the participants.
2022
- Board approved RAMA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Statement and Progress Report.
- RAMA’s DEIA statement and progress report were add to RAM’s website.
- Board approved RAMA’s Artists of Color Acquisition Fund policy.
- Some members of Exhibitions and Education staff attended DEIA professional development workshop, A Morning with Deanna Singh: Steps to Becoming an Inclusive Workplace.
- Staff and volunteers attended an introductory meeting and relationship-building afternoon at Racine’s Mahogany Gallery.
- Investigated grants and funding opportunities to help support DEIA initiatives.
- Education, Exhibitions and Marketing monthly meetings to discuss inclusivity and equity building programming.
2023
- RAMA Board of Directors formed a new Public Engagement Committee focusing on the guest experience in all areas of operations.
2024
Interdepartmental Programming
- Received major exhibition and outreach support through a United Way Equity Innovation Fund grant. This grant—built around and with two regional Mexican American artists, Nicole Acosta and René Amado—allowed or further supported:
- Direct support of area artists of color to organize exhibitions for both RAM and Wustum.
- Direct support of area artist of color through purchase of a work for RAM’s collection.
- Direct support of area artist of color to produce a video to feature in their exhibition.
- Direct support of regional creatives of color to feature their work in a RAM exhibition.
- Direct support of regional musician of color to perform at the HOOPS Table Read and Community Conversation at the Racine Theater Guild.
- Production of bilingual exhibition, educational, and outreach programming text.
- Direct support of artists of color to present outreach programming, such as artist presentations and demonstrations, to the public both at RAM and Wustum and at community venues.
- Production of a video featuring Nicole Acosta to accompany her exhibition at Wustum. The video was also used in area classrooms to introduce student visitors to the artist and her ideas.
- Sign language interpretation at the HOOPS Table Read and Community Conversation at the Racine Theater Guild
- Implementation of numerous school programs based on the backgrounds and work of the grant artists (detailed in Education Department monthly outline).
- Implementation of SPARK! programs based on the backgrounds and work of the grant artists (detailed in Education Department monthly outline).
Staff/General Equity
- Wustum hosted two all-staff trainings with Engagement Officer from Milwaukee Public Museum.
- Formed an internal DEIA committee of staff from across departments to meet monthly.
- DEIA Committee meeting developed and sent out an internal survey to staff; survey was completed by 18 staff.
- DEIA Committee addressing staff concerns—implementing changes immediately when feasible and making plans for future changes.
- Hosted a casual patio meeting with any staff interested in talking DEIA in the workplace.
- Updated RAMA Equity Statement.
- Hired full-time and part-time staff who are persons of color at both campuses.
- Posted for Bilingual (Spanish Speaking) Community Educator in English and Spanish.
- Continued ongoing review of organizational language that addresses diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Public Accessibility
Guests visiting RAM during Downtown Racine’s Creative Crawl
Photography: Rachel Comande
2021
- Installed and maintained content on an iPad at Wustum Museum with images of work on the second floor galleries to accommodate visitors who cannot use the stairs.
2022
- Education, Exhibitions and Marketing monthly meetings to discuss inclusivity and equity building programming.
2024
- Re-introduced and began to further develop interactive opportunities that allow for various types of engagement with exhibitions—touch samples, etc.
- Replaced a small monitor with a large TV and in a new viewing location at Wustum—for accessing artwork on the second floor from the ground level.
- Furthering an Exhibitions Department audit of ADA-related compliance in the galleries.
- Updated RAMA policies regarding breast feeding, mobility devices and service animals.
- Began to implement changes to RAM campus facilities to allow for more functional mobility for all visitors and staff.
Coming Soon
- Investigate a hybrid model for paid short-term staff, volunteers, and interns that establishes a more diverse volunteer pool, allowing those who want to contribute their time to do so and those who want to help but need financial support to do so to participate as well.
- Develop a plan to organize regular (probably quarterly) all-staff meetings that would include external voices from a variety of backgrounds in order to address a variety of DEIA-related topics.
- Investigate ways of retaining existing funding and locating new sources of support for internal and external DEIA efforts.
- Re-evaluate entire internship program to ensure broad-based equity.
- Review compensation measures for artists lending works to exhibitions and engaging in outreach programming.
- Investigate the feasibility and implementation of scholarship opportunities for juried exhibitions as a means to encourage participation regardless of the socio-economic status of the participants.
- Investigate the feasibility of making portions of the collection more accessible through engagement opportunities such as presenting study materials for hands-on learning.
- Contemplate the efficacy of having links on the website addressing social justice, equality, and/or diversity and how it relates to artists or artists of color.
- Improve gallery accessibility through interactive outreach, gallery signage, and artwork arrangement.
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The Racine Art Museum and RAM’s Wustum Museum work together to serve as a community resource, with spaces for discovery, creation, and connection. Keep up to date on everything happening at both museum campuses—and beyond—by subscribing to our email newsletter:
