The 21st Cultural Breakfast with Dyonna Benett, Heritage Professional – Inclusivity, Audience, and Museology
At the 21st Cultural Breakfast, we will have the privilege of speaking with Dyonna Benett, a heritage professional known for her dedication to reshaping the perception of heritage. Dyonna actively includes the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in her work and practice. The impact of the COVID-19 crisis has been profoundly felt in the Caribbean, with the decline in mobility and tourism having a significant effect. Additionally, Dyonna is a strong advocate for inclusivity and multi-perspectivity within the cultural sector.
Inclusivity in Cultural Institutions
Inclusivity has become something of a buzzword in the cultural landscape. Exhibitions, presentations, and organizations: everything is expected to be and is labeled as inclusive. But is that really the case? “In the cultural sector, we still have a long way to go. I don’t want to give compliments to specific cultural institutions because there is still so much work to be done within the policies of many institutions. This is especially true in terms of human resources. Diversity and inclusion are not yet deeply embedded or fully integrated into the museum practice in terms of audience, staff, partners, and programming. Furthermore, the work of professionals specializing in inclusivity or diversity is often severely underestimated. Inclusion is a personal choice, and it’s sometimes a daily struggle that must be fought.”
Diversity and inclusion are not yet deeply embedded or fully integrated into museum practice in terms of audience, staff, partners, and programming.
In many places, we are still trying to be heard, having to defend ourselves and the importance of diversity and inclusivity. We face bias, reluctance, and comments like “we don’t have time or budget for this right now.” It is often a struggle to make the dominant narrative more inclusive, nuanced, and diverse, and from there, to ensure that more understanding and empathy are fostered. It is challenging work and can be incredibly frustrating and exhausting. In some cases, people even become overwhelmed by it. But through our immense love for the profession and the determination to make a difference, we persist. With the hope of shaping a cultural sector where unheard members of society are given the space to raise their voices and feel accepted, respected, and represented.
Musea Bekennen Kleur
Inclusivity is high on the cultural agenda, but then the lockdown hit. “I must say that at the start of the COVID crisis, we were indeed concerned that inclusivity within the cultural sector would be put on the back burner. However, the Black Lives Matter demonstrations actually accelerated progress in many places. For professionals within the cultural sector who are dedicated to inclusivity and combating institutional racism during the pandemic, the demonstrations were somewhat of a ‘blessing in disguise.’ But we are not there yet. At the moment, I am more likely to cheer on initiatives. More and more great things are happening within cultural institutions that do recognize the importance of inclusivity and diversity. Take, for example, the collaborative program Musea Bekennen Kleur which focuses on self-reflection, critique, and knowledge exchange within partner organizations. Or the recent appointment of Charl Landvreugd as Head of Research & Curatorial Practice at the Stedelijk Museum, and Valika Smeulders as Head of History at the Rijksmuseum. We are also seeing exhibitions such as HIER. Zwart in Rembrandts tijd At the Rembrandt House, with Stephanie Arcangel as guest curator Tell me Your story By guest curator Rob Perrée at Kunsthalkade Amersfoort. And the recently opened group exhibition Say it Loud At the Bonnefanten Museum. I applaud organizations that dare to acknowledge that they cannot do it alone, and by doing so, reach out to grassroots organizations and collaborate.
“To be truly credible as a cultural institution, I believe that vital positions within organizations must be filled by professionals with more inclusive and diverse backgrounds.”
Organizations that openly acknowledge they are not currently approaching things in the right way and ask for help and take action are making progress. To truly be credible as a cultural institution, I believe that vital positions within organizations must be filled by professionals with a more inclusive and diverse background. It’s about truly daring to make that change. Do cultural institutions genuinely want more inclusivity and diversity and to appear truly credible? Then making space for such professionals would be a credible step forward.
The excessive police violence against George Floyd at the end of May triggered a shift in the fight against racism. Under the pressure of initiatives like Black Lives Matter, companies not only revised their brand communication but also took further steps by stopping advertisements on intolerant TV programs or social platforms. There were efforts made to address systemic racism, and conversations about privilege, equity, and justice became more prominent in mainstream discourse. This movement pushed organizations and individuals to take more meaningful action toward creating an inclusive and fair society. meerdere producten van een andere naam voorzien or removed from their offerings. The cultural sector also collectively expressed its stance against racism and in favor of inclusivity.
Of course, it has taken far too long for companies and cultural organizations to implement these revisions in their policies. George Floyd was not the first Black person to lose their life due to police violence, and Black Lives Matter is not the first initiative to highlight the injustices, racism, and violence against Black people. Through education, campaigns, and demonstrations, people have been calling attention to these issues for years, yet it took the tragic event of George Floyd’s death to spark the widespread recognition and urgency for change. BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) For decades, people have been calling for change, but little attention was paid, and organizations were not ready to take the step. Many companies feared losing their clientele, until it became clear how many people took to the streets to protest
“What we are seeing now is a global uprising against anti-Black racism and white supremacy. The discussion is being held more than ever, and racism is more visible than ever because it is increasingly filmed and shared on social media. ‘It can no longer be denied.’ When I saw the statements from certain organizations, I thought, ‘Why only now?’ But now, more pressure is being applied by the societal debate, which has gained momentum, and the cultural sector is at a tipping point. It is becoming increasingly difficult to explain why an organization is not diverse or inclusive. But simply making a statement doesn’t solve the problem. To truly be credible, the cultural sector must take action.”
Guidelines for inclusivity
Eelco would like to hear your story and vision on inclusivity, but who in the cultural sector are you curious about and why? “I am curious about the work of Martin van Engel and how he is continuing his efforts during these difficult times. Martin is a member of the Amsterdam Art Council, a member of the National UNESCO Commission, and Program Manager at the Van Gogh Museum, where he makes the museum relevant to Amsterdam’s young adults with migration backgrounds. Additionally, he is an expert in urban youth culture, participation, and cultural diversity. Thanks to his efforts, the Van Gogh Museum is experiencing a wonderful development in terms of inclusivity. Recently, the Van Gogh Museum launched a second collaboration and collection with the Amsterdam-based fashion label Daily Paper.” Daily Paper x Van Gogh Museum. I am curious about what kind of guidance he can offer to cultural institutions that are still searching for ways to improve inclusivity and diversity, especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Second wave
We are now in the second wave of COVID-19. The cultural sector is holding its breath for a second lockdown. Because what if the new rules lead to (re)closures? What do you think your cultural colleagues should hold onto, and how can we learn from the past 7 months? “What I really admire are the people who, despite the constantly changing rules, continue to offer a dose of culture. I find that truly wonderful. It just shows how deep the passion for the cultural sector runs.”
“The Netherlands offers the cultural sector various forms of support, but the islands are facing tougher challenges.
“During the period when we were in quarantine, there was actually a greater yearning for books, paintings, music, films, and so on. The art and culture offerings were a comfort. It is incredibly difficult to stay afloat. Particularly for freelancers and entrepreneurs, who make up 72% of the cultural sector, this is an uncertain time. And I’m not just talking about the cultural sector in the Netherlands, but also the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Netherlands offers various forms of support to the cultural sector, but the islands are facing tougher challenges. I have family and a valuable network on the islands, and what I hear from people is truly heartbreaking. Many subsidies have been stopped, many cultural institutions have already closed, staff are at home, and the outlook is not good. I worry for the islands and try to help with various initiatives wherever I can.”
“Additionally, the workload in the Netherlands has only increased, and we’ve had to make major mental adjustments. We are talking about Covid-19, millions in losses, burnouts, Black Lives Matter, it’s a hectic time. The Netherlands could even be heading toward a collective burnout. I think it’s important to also pause more often to consider our mental well-being and how we can keep ourselves and each other afloat.”
“And of course, we continue to search for ways for the sector to survive and thrive. It would be terrible if the institutions had to close immediately again. It’s hard not to get discouraged, but it’s important to keep going where possible. So that we can still get a dose of culture. Not just for the economy, but for ourselves as humans. Because where would we be without art and culture in society?”
This interview is part of the Branddoctors Culture for Breakfast serie.
Written by Lisette van Elst, published on October 7, 2020.