Commitment to championing
anti-racism
Intuit was founded on inclusivity, and we refuse to tolerate hate and brutality. We champion anti-racism and stand with those seeking justice and systemic change. Black lives matter.
Read more from Intuit President and CEO Debra Kerr here.
Inclusion Statement
Drawing on the power of outsider art to transcend borders—those drawn on maps as well as those existing only in our minds—Intuit is committed to serving as a safe place of open and inclusive inquiry and discussion. For more than 25 years, we have brought the perspectives of outsider artists to a public hungry for authentic work, made by artists who have created extraordinary beauty from the simplest materials. These artists have realized their personal vision with the aid of few resources, often while facing systemic poverty and discrimination. We honor their courage and reassert our solidarity with all those who recognize that our deepest strength lies embedded within our differences. Rarely in recent memory has art been so necessary to us all, simply because it allows us to see beyond appearances. We invite everyone through our doors to enjoy artwork whose creation embodies our collective search for what it means to be human, overcoming boundaries based on religion, race, ethnic origin, gender, socioeconomic status, orientation, and physical or mental ability.
Commitments
In 2007, Intuit recognized Lonnie Holley as the museum’s first artist in residence, and in 2020, Holley accepted the Visionary Award at our annual Visionary Ball. Lonnie Holley is the second artist to receive this award, which celebrates an individual who has made a significant contribution to the field of outsider art; Mr. Imagination was the first artist recipient in 2009.
In 2016, in celebration of our 25th anniversary, Intuit presented Post Black Folk Art in America, 1930-1980-2016, curated by Faheem Majeed, in recognition of the exhibition, Black Folk Art in America, 1930-1980, that had, arguably, the most impact on the field of American outsider art.
In 2019, Intuit hosted three exhibitions of work by living Black artists: This Stillness, curated by Jamillah Hinson, featuring Judy Bowman, Tracy Crump and Vanessa German; Creative Impulse: Works by Robert Johnson and E. Nix, curated by Faheem Majeed; and Looking at You From a Distance Not Too Far: Work by Marvin Tate, curated by Alison Amick.
Intuit joined the inaugural cadre of museums participating in the American Alliance of Museums’ Facing Change Board Diversity Initiative in 2019 and continues efforts to place BIPOC on our board.
The 2020-21 exhibition Outsider Art: The Collection of Victor F. Keen featured works by Black and Brown artists, who made up about half of the artists on view.
In addition to contributions from generous donors, Intuit raised $1,000 from August 2020 admissions to the Museum Workers Relief Fund, a mutual aid fund for museum workers in the United States who have been laid off, furloughed or otherwise severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds raised are intended for museum workers in the most precarious financial situations and those disproportionally affected by layoffs and furloughs, such as Black, people of color and Native American museum workers.
Intuit launched its inaugural paid fellowship program for emerging BIPOC museum professionals in June 2021. Aiming to encourage greater diversity in the museum field, the Intuit Summer Fellowship Program is an opportunity for students enrolled in state, city and community colleges in Chicago from backgrounds that have traditionally been underrepresented in the museum field. The Summer Fellow works alongside senior managers in all departments, including education, marketing and executive leadership, and participates in professional development opportunities and public programs.
Ongoing
Since 2014, the IntuiTeens summer program offers leadership and creativity internships for Chicago teens; the program is predominately made up of youth of color. All IntuiTeens receive a stipend to ensure they can afford to attend.
Every year, the Teacher Fellowship Program provides professional development for Chicago Public School teachers and their classrooms, impacting 20-24 teachers and up to 750 students. Typically, about 65% of those schools are in low-income neighborhoods. The participating Teacher Fellows spread the ethos that art can be found anywhere and made by anyone.
The Intuit Store features artworks and products by artists and craftspersons of color; sales benefit these artists and Intuit’s programs.
Intuit is actively seeking BIPOC volunteers and members for our Board of Directors and Young Professionals Board. Please email intuit@art.org if you are interested in these opportunities. Employment opportunities are available here.
Updated on July 6, 2021