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:
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. Click here to see the Norton's IDEA Plan.
Annual Diversity Training
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.
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.
Living Wage
As of January 1, 2023, the Museum’s minimum wage is now $17 an hour.
Annual Reporting
Audit, track, and report progress on the Norton's IDEA plan to the public.