A personal message from outgoing Chair, Greg Niemeyer

We are at the beginning of a new age, but how do we account for the past? How did and how will black lives matter at the Department of Art Practice? I look back on what Art Practice did for its black students, faculty and staff in the past, and I can say that I learned more from them than they learned from me. I cannot say that we unequivocally created a climate of support, empowerment, and capacity-building mentorship for every black artist. This must change. It is about time we make room for a new Art Practice that supports black art. It is profoundly necessary. The relentless abuse of black lives is a result of systemic racism. Black Lives Matter asks me what I do to stop that racism, both at work and in life.

How often have we visibly taught African American art? How many of us showed up before everyone else showed up? How hard did we work to support the careers of those whom we knew had less access to the art world than ourselves? The answer is: “Not Enough”.

Seeing what difference the Black Lives Matter movement makes in the streets, in the media, in our communities and in my heart and mind, it is very clear: I did not do enough. Art can and must be a way to ask hard questions towards a more just and inclusive world. Art Practice can and must provide the place for that work to be done, seen, loved, cared for and celebrated.

In the days and weeks ahead, I examine my past, my blind spots and my brightest hopes. I interrogate my own benefits from white privilege. I expose technologies and structures of violence. As my term as Chair comes to an end, I recognize the amount of work that remains to be done, and I am eager to do more through teaching, innovation, and collaboration.

Art Practice must become a good place for all artists who rise up, speak up, and make change through art. Art Practice must stand out with its deep commitment and daily practice: Listen, learn, grow, and change.

Onwards,

Greg Niemeyer,
Outgoing Chair, Art Practice