Mellon Foundation survey highlights gender gains but persistent racial gaps in US museum staffing

A spring survey by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, conducted with the Association of Art Museum Directors and the American Alliance of Museums, assessed staffing at 181 US museums. Women now constitute 60% of employees, excelling in curatorial, conservation, education, and leadership roles. However, minority representation lags at just 28%, with these staff concentrated in security, facilities, finance, and human resources. Non-Hispanic whites occupy about 84% of top positions, compared to 6% for Asians, 4% for Blacks, and 3% for Hispanics. Mariët Westermann, the foundation's vice president, observed that these figures fall short of reflecting America's diverse population.