Arts organizations aim to serve their surrounding communities; however, often the very members of those communities are not seen in the administrative side. The arts world has long faced criticism for its lack of diversity and efforts to be inclusive of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, and the organizations of New York City are no exception.

A survey conducted in New York City revealed that the city’s arts and cultural nonprofits are still failing to reflect its surrounding community’s diversity. The report finds that while people of color make up two thirds of New York’s population, two thirds of its arts administrators are white. The study examined institutions large and small throughout the city’s five boroughs, and while some groups historically discriminated against were found to be overrepresented (women and disabled people), there was still great racial disparity at the upper level leadership positions and amongst board members.

Over the past few months, there have been many calls to diversify the art world. Institutions on city-owned property have drafted and submitted plans to foster diversity and inclusion among administration and their visitors. If results are less than satisfactory, the city has warned of possible funding cuts.

Tom Finkelpearl, Cultural Affairs Commissioner of New York City, states that the efforts aim to implement practices that will result in diverse workforces, rather than encouraging quotas.

For example, MoMA PS1, an art institution located in Long Island City, Queens, has ended the practice of unpaid internships, recognizing the barrier these internships present to students who cannot afford to work without pay. 

“My feeling — and I’ve been to many board meetings — is that this is being embraced,” Finkelpearl told The New York Times. “Everyone has the right to have the expectation that the cultural life of New York City should be reflective of the communities.”