IDEA Statement | Norton Museum of Art

IDEA at the Norton

The Norton Museum of Art commits to greater inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) in every facet of our mission and internal culture. We embrace the multiplicities of our communities regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, family structure, creed, abilities, or socioeconomic status. To mirror and serve our communities better, we looked inwards and recognized an urgent need to improve, especially in the Museum’s approach to issues of race. The Norton pledges to continue to diversify our collection, exhibitions, and programs, and to foster efforts that advance equity through access and inclusion, so all visitors, staff, and community members feel welcome and empowered.

The first steps we are taking to achieve these goals are:

Implement an Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Plan

Implement an Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Plan to address key areas of audience engagement, public programming, exhibition and collection development, facilities, and internal culture, including hiring practices, professional development, and a wage equity plan. More Details.

Incorporate annual mandatory training programs in cultural competency

Incorporate annual mandatory training programs in cultural competency and bias for staff, Board members, and volunteers. Biannual training within visitor-facing departments will also be required.

Staff Diversity Committee to provide input to Norton's Audience Development

Include two members of the Staff Diversity Committee (SDC) to augment the Norton’s Audience Development Committee (ADC). Those individuals will contribute solely in their capacity as SDC representatives to provide input on the development of exhibitions, programs, and visitor experience as they pertain to issues of IDEA.

Museum’s minimum wage is now $17 an hour

As of January 1, 2023, the Museum’s minimum wage is now $17 an hour.