Equity Agenda

Building on the lessons of the last three years and the values, institutional commitments, and accomplishments shared in our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) Action Plan, the museum is launching a new strategic initiative: the Equity Agenda.

Hydrangeas Spring Song, 1976, by Alma Thomas — *Hydrangeas Spring Song* (detail), 1976, by Alma Thomas (American, 1891–1978), 2002-20-1

Focused on creating a broad range of new employment, economic, artistic, and engagement opportunities at the museum, the Equity Agenda aligns our shared work and resources to achieve specific, measurable, and boldly aspirational goals in four areas: careers, contracts, collection, and community. It reflects our authentic investment in the wellness and engagement of historically underrepresented communities and strengthens our responsibilities as an arts organization and civic institution dedicated to the people of Philadelphia.

Careers

Goal: 40% diverse representation in total workforce by 2025

Building on positive trends since the establishment of the Office of DEIA in 2020, the museum will increase the number of qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds considered and ultimately hired for positions at all levels of the organization. This will be done through ongoing implementation of an Inclusive Hiring Guide, candidate tracking, and DEIA training, to promote a more inclusive and accessible workplace.

Contracts

Goal: 35% supplier diversity by 2025

The museum is investing in partnerships with key public and private sector organizations dedicated to improving contracting opportunities for historically underrepresented businesses. We are committed to being an economic hub for local minority-, women-, and disabled-owned businesses, in alignment with the equitable contracting goals of the City of Philadelphia.

Collection

Goal: $5 million raised by 2025

The museum will further diversify the artists highlighted and collections acquired. Being more equitable in our procurement of work by artists from diverse backgrounds is vitally important to the museum’s future success. This effort begins with the establishment of a designated acquisition fund for acquiring works by Black artists. Building on the work of our Board of Trustees, the DEIA Committee, and African American Collections Committee, this investment will expand and prioritize opportunities for curatorial research and scholarship as well as promote broader engagement with Philadelphia’s Black communities and reflect the contributions of Black art and artists throughout our permanent collections. Our focus on other diverse collections will continue as we look for ways to expand those collections as well.

Community

Goal: 11 unique events in 2023

The museum must invest in soliciting input from, serving, and saluting our city’s rich cultural, racial, and ethnic communities. By welcoming a series of stakeholder engagements in recognition of affinity months, we will develop new relationships with community partners to engage more diverse audiences. As a result, our collections, exhibitions, and programs will be informed by and experienced in ways that are more relatable to more of the population. Opening the museum’s doors in this way will help to grow mutual trust and increase collaboration across Philadelphia.