LA MOCA Faces Staff Exodus Over Workplace Culture and Diversity Failures

Two senior staff members have departed the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles amid allegations of a hostile environment and insufficient commitment to diversity. Senior curator Mia Locks resigned last month, stating in an email that leadership was unprepared to fully implement diversity initiatives. Locks had overseen the museum's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program. Director of human resources Carlos Viramontes left in February, citing an untenable work atmosphere. Viramontes told the Los Angeles Times that deputy director Amy Shapiro retaliated against him after he conducted performance reviews that included her and director Klaus Biesenbach. The museum has denied Shapiro engaged in retaliation. A spokesperson outlined ongoing efforts to advance the IDEA vision through anti-racism workshops, compensation surveys, a multilingual task force, and a dedicated staff position. In February, the institution announced a restructuring that created an artistic director role for Biesenbach, focused on cultural visibility and international partnerships, alongside a new executive director. Both Biesenbach and the incoming executive director will lead the museum.