Empowering Artists Minorities

Curating Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Contemporary Art World

When: November 21-23, 2024

Where: Online

Host: Organization for the Democratization of the Visual Arts (ODBK)

Research shows “85% of artists in major US museums are white and 87% are male” – EMAMI gives voice to those championing a more equal, diverse and inclusive art world.

This groundbreaking virtual conference unites the contemporary art world (and beyond) for three days of transformative lectures, workshops, and discussions exploring innovative strategies to better promote EDI in the industry at a global institutional level. The event brings together artists, academics, art critics, sociologists, art collectors, activists, and many more to share impactful ideas that resolve challenges and capitalize on the benefits of global solidarity in curating EDI in the contemporary art world. The conference will result in the formulation of EDI best practices for the selection and collection of artists and artworks in museums and contemporary art galleries worldwide.

1) OPEN Call for papers, ideas, proposals,…

First this is a call for papers, articles, ideas, proposals, thesis, etc., everything and everybody that has something to say and serve for the purpose of this event.

• There is no limit on the size or number of words for the text
• There is no formal text structure required
• There is no restriction on nationality, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, etc…
• If you want to speak at the conference please require it in the submission form.
• The deadline is the 15th of September 2024

Key Discussion Topics:

• Identifying the Need for Change:
  • Addressing current issues and resistance within contemporary art institutions.
  • Unpacking historical contexts such as paternalism and colonialism.
• Creating Equality Metrics:
  • Parameters for evaluating institutional equality and diversity.
  • Artist and museum/art space characteristics: race, gender, age, space, budget, accessibility, and artist remuneration.
• Decision-Making Processes:
  • Evaluating intentional decision-making.
  • Uncovering the role of open calls and curatorial processes.
• Strategies for Long-Term Impact:
  • Techniques to ensure diversity and equality in the short (1 year), medium (5 years), and long run (10 years).
  • Leveraging the internet and online tools for inclusivity.
• Certification of Equality and Diversity:
  • Defining the certification process, involved stakeholders, and types of certification.
  • Identifying benefits and potential obstacles.

Click here to send us your proposal, text, idea or abstract.

2) OPEN Call for participants and supporters

second this is a call for all art world participants and all culture lovers who dream to see an art world more diverse, equal, and inclusive. We call for your support to make this event a meaningful step for real change.

Click here if you want to be present in the event and be a supporter of this event.

Aims:

EMAMI aims to promote EDI in curatorial decision-making within the contemporary art world at an institutional level through novel transformative, high-impact, and scalable initiatives. By starting this critical discussion, EMAMI further aims to provide a voice to under-represented communities to empower their art and artists and influence the development of international and national policies oriented towards systemic recognition and support of artists minorities.

Objectives:

• Identify the need for change, create equality metrics, evaluate decision-making processes, and propose strategies for long-term impact.
• Consolidate proposals from diverse voices in a comprehensive EDI protocol that can serve as a guide for art institutions.
• Define mechanisms (political or otherwise) that catalyze the utilization of EDI procedures by contemporary art museums and art collections.
• Devise processes that empower artists minorities by giving a voice to local and regional communities.
• Explore ways of capitalizing on digital technologies to empower communities and artists to be better represented in the contemporary art world.

Output:

EMAMI will result in a comprehensive protocol that will serve as a guide for art institutions to ensure EDI in decision-making processes now and for generations to come. Copies of the protocol will be sent to every contemporary art museum and art collection worldwide, and it will be published online with free download. Beyond EMAMI, the protocol will be continually updated to include the latest leading EDI ideas, mechanisms, and procedures.

We have a goal of gathering 15K Euros to create this book and distribute it all over the world. Help us to create fairest art world with a contribution.

Click here to make your donation and help us create a more equal, diverse, and inclusive art world.