What’s wrong with Newfields now that it has a new CEO? – Indianapolis News | Indiana Weather | Indiana traffic

(MIRROR INDY) – Newfields welcomed Le Monte G. Booker Sr. as its new CEO in October, a year after the sudden departure of Colette Pierce Burnette. This week, Newfields invited news organizations, including Mirror Indy, to a meeting with Booker, the former CFO of the Field Museum.

Our arts and culture team, in collaboration with Mirror Indy’s Community Journalism Director Ariana Beedie, developed questions that we believe reflect many topics important to our families, our neighborhoods and our creative communities.

Here are some personal things we learned about Booker: He grew up on the west and south sides of Chicago and spent most of his career in the nonprofit sector. He and his wife often visited Indianapolis when their son, Le Monte Booker II, played football for Indiana State University. Booker enjoys breakfast at Milktooth in Fountain Square and enjoys Robert Indiana’s “Love” sculpture.

This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

One concern we often hear is about ticket prices in Newfields. When you were at the Field Museum you increased ticket prices and so we want to know: Will Newfields ever be free again or will ticket prices go up?

Well, I’m wrapping up my eighth week here and of course I’ll be having good conversations with our leadership and other voters about the pricing of our tickets. It’s still a little early to say which direction Newfields will go.

What I want to say is that this is an amazing institution. I think you can imagine that resources are required for an institution like this to fulfill its mission while also being an excellent place for visitors.

So we need to think about what the right balance is between the need to ensure Newfields has the resources to achieve its mission, while ensuring we are accessible and open to all members of our community.

Would you like to share how these decisions are made so our audience can better understand them?

Well, you have to take various aspects into account. One is: What impact will it have not only on the institution but also on the community? Will there continue to be opportunities for a diverse audience to experience Newfields and what we have to offer?

And what I want to say is that we will always look for ways to ensure access for different audiences. There will always be programs for spectators who may find it more difficult to afford a ticket here at the museum.

But of course we have to think about how the museum works and what lies ahead. I think we all struggle with things like inflation, cost of living, things like that.

However, an important consideration is: does the ticket price represent a barrier to entry for a diverse audience? This is one of the thoughts we need to take into account when looking at ticket prices.

Before you came, there were issues affecting trust between the museum and the community. Do you have plans or are you already in the process of doing something to restore people’s trust?

Absolutely. When we are going to make decisions, we want to make sure we are mindful of how our decisions may impact the community in which we live.

As I set out to learn more about Newfields, I will be looking at the following process: How do we interact with the community and what does the community need from us? And how can we better work with the community to understand their needs?

An example is what just happened last Friday and Sunday. Our “Sneaker Fest” invited local students to come in and receive a free pair of shoes. This is just one of many ways we give young people the opportunity to experience this museum – sometimes for the first time, sometimes after multiple visits. We look for ways to connect and ensure we are part of the growth of our community.

The next questions I have are about the museum’s art collection. I attended the Herron School of Art and Design and these are questions I have heard from other artists. But first I want to know if you have a favorite piece of art in the museum.

Well, it’s still early to say if there are any favorite pieces of art. I think the “Love” sculpture by Robert Indiana that we brought from outside is very iconic. Our Clowes (pavilion) and the Eiteljorg Suite (the collection of African and South Pacific art) – there are so many treasures here.

What is the museum currently doing for local artists?

At the beginning of my work here, we invited local artists and held discussions. We pay special attention to the type of art they create. And we want to make sure we acquire art from underrepresented groups.

So our focus has been on making sure we leverage the talents of local artists and, in turn, artists from underrepresented groups. And we will continue to do so during my term in office.

Indy has a rich culture of neighborhood art galleries. When people support these local galleries, they know that the money they spend there goes directly to our artists and communities. What is the incentive for people who want to support the arts to spend their money at Newfields?

As I just mentioned, our goal is to make sure that we think much, much more about acquiring art from underrepresented groups. If we as an institution want to continue to be strong citizens of our community, we must continue to be worthy of the community’s support.

Therefore, it is very important for Newfields to ensure that we accept the work of local artists (and) take into account the needs of the local community.

The local creative community expressed disappointment and anger at the fourth floor being converted into The Lume. The reorganization of contemporary art into the other wings did not seem to do justice to these feelings. Are there plans to create a space where contemporary art takes precedence?

Of course we have a responsibility to preserve the treasures that exist here. But we need to think about how we change as an institution to reach new audiences. “The Lume” is actually a movement towards new types of technologies, digital art used to present art. And I think every institution needs to be willing to innovate to see if these options work.

We have to be willing to try new things. And under my leadership, we will continue to explore different options.

Do you feel that museums – not just Newfields – need to question or find a balance between being an educational institution and taking on entertainment qualities to attract new audiences?

Well, I think there has to be a balance. You know, you can’t lose sight of the mission of why we exist, why we’re here in the first place. Museums operate in an environment in which there are many competing options and possibilities for the visitor. However, we must remain true to our mission.

So from our perspective it is not possible to be “or” – we have to be a little bit of both.

Were you aware of the controversies at the museum when you were hired as CEO?

Yes, that was me. Before coming to Newfields I did a lot of research. And what I will say is that I’m very happy with the direction it’s going in to address some of the concerns raised by the community. Every institution still has a way to go before it can reach its full potential.

In recent years, non-white employees at Newfields have spoken out about discrimination and a hostile work environment. What steps would you like to take to improve office culture?

Of course, we believe our team members are critical to Newfields’ success and our ability to achieve our mission. One of the first things I did was meet with all of our departments and employees. I only have one more department to go.

Our people are very important in everything we do. Your experience is very important to me. And it’s a privilege to have them working here – employees of all backgrounds, colors, races and genders.

I’m glad you’re answering these questions because I know you’ve just started your work here. In 2021, Newfields released an action plan that included company-wide DEI training. DEI training is currently being questioned across the country. Does Newfields plan to continue this training and if so, how?

We are continuing this training. We recognize that certain national priorities may come and go, but we believe that the Newfields values ​​– which we consider a priority – must endure. That’s why we’re sticking to the promises we’ve made around DEI, including training.

What things are you looking forward to in the next year?

(Laughs.) I’m having a wonderful time learning about this historic institution. It’s really amazing – from my experience with our exhibitions and our events like Harvest and Winterlights.

That’s why I’m looking forward to learning as much as possible. Learn more about our volunteers, donors, community leaders and cultural creators. It is exciting to find out what makes this institution special.

Above all, I am excited about the opportunities we have to increase and expand our influence.

How do you feel about your experience meeting the community so far?

I feel very positive about it. I had several meet-and-greet events a week ago, but one that was particularly enlightening was an event I had a week ago with our members – some of whom have been with us for 30, 40 years. As I looked at the audience, I was so encouraged by the incredible diversity.

I saw the age range, the different genders, the different races and sexual orientations. It shows me that Newfields is absolutely on the right track. We are moving in the right direction.