BIPOC Fellowship
Project Update and Report
In 2020, in the wake of the George Floyd murder and the ensuing global movement for racial justice, the need for representation and equity in various sectors, including the cultural field, became more urgent than ever. Karen Carter, co-founder of Black Artists’ Network in Dialogue, and Gail Lord, co-founder of Lord Cultural Resources, brainstormed ways to present new leadership opportunities for BIPOC professionals in the Canadian arts and culture sectors. The BIPOC Fellowship was created, and the pilot project was recently completed.
“We knew that there needed to be some action taken in giving much more opportunity for BIPOC professionals to have jobs that are tenure-track, long-range leadership positions in the cultural sector,” says Gail Lord.
“We are trying to create a support system around racialized professionals in museums,” says Karen Carter. “In the cultural sector, sometimes we are more comfortable with the one-off representation, the special guest intro, as opposed to the embedding of diverse cultural voices in these institutions. Our desire was to support the embedding.”
The BIPOC Fellowship's pilot project’s aim was two-fold: to help fund leadership positions for BIPOC professionals in the Gallery, Library, Arts and Museum (GLAM) sectors; and to provide an effective mentorship program for both the fellows and their employer institutions. The pilot got underway in 2021 with support from LIST NEEDED
Recently, the BIPOC Fellowship released their report: “Advancing the Leadership of BIPOC Professionals in Canada’s Cultural Institutions” by Saffron Marsh-Bailey. Here are some key takeaways. (You can read the full report here.) [LINK TBD]
“Fellows indicated that the program reignited their commitment to mentorship, inspiring them to provide similar opportunities for others. This reflects the broader, long-term impact of the fellowship, which has the potential to cultivate a legacy of leadership development that extends beyond the immediate cohort.”
“Designed to demonstrate the fellowship’s impact on the BIPOC community, the pilot has effectively shown that placing individuals in roles they may not have been able to secure independently is both personally transformative and symbolically significant.”
“By showcasing the achievements and capabilities of BIPOC fellows, the program plays a vital role in dismantling systemic barriers and fostering an environment where diverse voices are recognized and valued. This is essential for creating a more inclusive and equitable professional landscape, ensuring that the pathway to leadership is accessible to all, regardless of their background.”
“In essence, the BIPOC Fellowship stands as a testament to the power of targeted support and mentorship in promoting diversity within cultural institutions.”