Darren Walker on Museum Reform, Guston, and Social Justice

Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation, discusses the future of museums in the context of racial justice, the #BlackLivesMatter movement, and the controversy over Philip Guston's exhibition. Walker argues that museums must evolve to serve diverse communities and address systemic racism. He supports the National Gallery of Art's decision to postpone the Guston show, citing the harmful context of white supremacy in 2020. Walker emphasizes that museums need to consult staff of color and rethink curatorial authority. He defends the deaccessioning of the Ford Foundation's art collection to acquire works by underrepresented artists and criticizes the museum ecosystem for perpetuating inequality. Walker remains optimistic about museums' ability to change, noting an unprecedented awakening among leadership.