The AAMC Foundation has released the Best Practices in Artist Demographic Data Coordination, the first resource of its kind for art organizations providing a detailed overview of how to prepare for and execute an artist demographic and identity survey in a manner that is inclusive and fair, and that forefronts the voice of the artist. 

“For AAMC & AAMC Foundation, ethical and inclusive best practices are cornerstones of our mission, as evident through our programs, publications, and outreach,” added Judith Pineiro, Executive Director, AAMC & AAMC Foundation, and writer and lead on the Guide. “This publication presents ways forward that are relevant beyond the curatorial field and helpful and impactful for all visual-art spaces.”

Galvanized by the growing recognition that a re-assessment of the art and artists being collected and exhibited by organizations needs to be undertaken, the Best Practices Guide for Artist Demographic Data Coordination was developed by AAMC Foundation to serve as a foundational resource and advocacy tool for the industry.  Placing ethical and inclusive work as a primary factor, the publication offers readers a thoughtful and candid examination of the process.

The Guide builds upon previous handbooks and pledges developed by AAMC Foundation, such as its Call to Curators: DEAI Practices: Collections and Exhibitions, Code of Conduct for Curators, and Professional Practices for Art Curators in Nonprofits. Collaborating with over 30 writers and readers from the visual art realm, supported by The Mellon Foundation, the in-depth document provides information throughout every phase of a demographic survey, including getting started; creating and implementing a questionnaire; data management and maintenance; case studies; and a sample questionnaire.  

The document is available to download here.

The AAMC Foundation is grateful to The Mellon Foundation for its support of this project.

Disclaimer

The information in this document is subject to change or revision without notice. AAMC and/or AAMC Foundation, along with its contributors and funders, assume no and disclaim any responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document. They shall not be liable for any damages, including but not limited to general, incidental, or consequential, that may arise from use of this document or other related material. This document and parts thereof are the intellectual property of AAMC Foundation and must not be reproduced, copied, or used other than for personal reference without AAMC Foundation providing written permission. This information provided in this document and related materials is not intended to be the source of legal or other professional advice. You should not consider the information provided to be legal or professional advice and should not rely on the information herein/therein as legal or professional advice for any purpose and should always seek the legal advice of competent counsel in the relevant jurisdiction as needed. Links provided do not imply any association, endorsement, or sponsorship of any site or, with regard to protected content at any other site, any legal right or authority. All rights are reserved.

The AAMC Foundation is grateful to The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation for their support of this project.