EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) engaged Inclusivity LLC for a comprehensive consultation on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) within the organization. Inclusivity is a consulting firm that approaches its engagements though a cultural competency lens. The engagement will involve several workshops centered on some of the basic principles of cultural competence designed to advance the MFA as an organization in terms of DEI. However, to determine which workshops are most appropriate, Inclusivity needs to understand where the MFA currently stands in terms of DEI. To arrive at his understanding, Inclusivity conducted a detailed assessment of the MFA. The assessment includes a demographic analysis of the MFA’s current workforce and its board, as well as data collected from a series of facilitated conversations in related focus groups, and a comprehensive organizational survey.
Demographic Analysis The demographic analysis shows that the MFA’s work force has a high percentage of women among its employees. This is a common attribute of the non-profit industry’s workforce. In terms of race and ethnicity, the MFA’s workforce is primarily non-Hispanic white. However, there appears to be a trend towards greater ethnic and racial diversity. Most of the employees of the MFA are either Gen X or Gen Y, but there are a significant percentage of baby boomers as well. The composition of the board is diverse as far as gender is concerned. There are more women on the 2020-2021 board than men. In previous years, women have made up just under 50% of the board. However, the board lacks diversity when it comes to race and ethnicity. Over the last four years, more than 90% of the board members have been non-Hispanic white.
Focus Groups Inclusivity LLC conducted seven (7) focus group sessions. Many participants acknowledged a racial divide within the local community but considered St. Petersburg to be more inclusive than other communities who were seeing unrest. Participants also touched on several issues related to the COVID pandemic, including the fact that it impacted the MFA’s outreach efforts, created financial strain from closures and new unexpected safety expenses after reopening. As far as general perceptions of the MFA and the way in which the MFA is viewed by the community, the groups were consistent that the museum is not well known throughout the community. However, among those who know it, it is very well respected. Participants also indicated that the typical visitor does not reflect the demographics of the community at large by age or race. Participants complimented ongoing efforts under Kristen’s leadership to expand exposure and encourage early engagement with young people as well as their families. Beyond reaching out to bring in new visitors, participants shared efforts to diversify the artists featured, including presenting the work of women and artists of color. Some participants believed this effort was a response to the heightened awareness of social unrest nationwide and locally. They have anecdotally observed a rise in the diversity of visitors since the rollout of these exhibits.
C U LT U R A L C O M P E T E N C E A S S E S S M E N T
3
