Interview with Professor Janell B Pryor

Q: What do you think about the low percentage of black women that gets represented in art museums?

A: ​It was disappointing years ago, however, things are starting to change. Black women have contributed to art museums intellectually, creatively, and administratively. It is time that our contributions are recognized and shared widely. Recognized as in being considered and chosen for certain positions in the art museum and shared by incorporating scholarship, art, and ideas generated by Black women.

Q: How has representation, or the lack of representation of women of color affected your career? ​

A: The lack of representation has not impacted my career path directly. If I chose to pursue that path, I think it would have impacted my career. Optimistically, lack thereof gives one an opportunity to forge a path and become who they want to see.

Q: Have you experienced or seen changes in representation since you started working in your field? If so, what did those changes look like?​

A: My field is academia and there has always been a Black women's intellectual tradition and influence on pedagogy. In terms of the museum, there have been significant changes in the field during the last few years. Major curatorial and administrative appointments have happened recently. There's Naomi Beckwith,Deputy Directory and Chief Curator, at the Guggeinhiem; Adrienne Edwards, Director of Curatorial Affairs, at the Whitney; Sandra-Jackson Dumont, Director and CEO at the Lucas Musuem; Naima Keith, VP of Education and Public Programs at LACMA; Rhea Combs, Director of Curatorial Affairs, at the National Portrait Gallery; Andrea Barnwell Brownlee, Director and CEO of the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. Those identified here are just a few.