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Copyright by Clare Colleen Donnelly 2017 Copyright by Clare Colleen Donnelly 2017 The Thesis Committee for Clare Colleen Donnelly Certifies that this is the approved version of the following thesis: Art & Allyship: Fostering LGBT Inclusion at the Chrysler Museum of Art APPROVED BY SUPERVISING COMMITTEE: Supervisor: Paul E. Bolin Melinda M. Mayer Art & Allyship: Fostering LGBT Inclusion at the Chrysler Museum of Art by Clare Colleen Donnelly, BA Thesis Presented to the Faculty of the Graduate School of The University of Texas at Austin in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts The University of Texas at Austin May 2017 Dedication For Nan & Pa Acknowledgements This project would not have been possible without the generosity and support of a group of caring individuals. I would like to extend my immense gratitude to the following people: To Dr. Paul Bolin, whose constant patience, guidance, and wisdom proved essential to the completion of this project. To Dr. Melinda Mayer, whose critical perspective and insightful feedback pushed me toward a deeper interrogation of my thinking. To Anne Corso and Michael Berlucchi, whose inclusive work made this research possible and whose kindness and generosity made it a delight. To Danny, whose endless supply of love, encouragement, and humor brightened dark moments and instilled in me the confidence to persevere. To my parents, who raised me to be compassionate, to embrace difference, and to love others as myself. To my cohort, an inspiring group of women whose incredible support, positivity, and friendship carried me through this experience. Finally, to my LGBTQ friends and family, who inspire me, challenge me, and whose stories motivate this research. Thank you. v Abstract Art & Allyship: Fostering LGBT Inclusion at the Chrysler Museum of Art Clare Colleen Donnelly, MA The University of Texas at Austin, 2017 Supervisor: Paul E. Bolin This study examines an art museum’s efforts to foster greater inclusion for the LGBT community through a range of programming, outreach, and staff initiatives. Employing a mixed methods case study methodology, this research investigated the inclusive practices of the Chrysler Museum of Art, a mid-sized, encyclopedic museum in Norfolk, Virginia. Through direct observation, semi-structured interviews, survey questionnaires, and document review, this research uncovered meaningful insights surrounding the motivations, implementation, and impacts of the Chrysler’s efforts to welcome local LGBT community members into the museum. An analysis of the data exposed an institution-wide culture of inclusion built on prior efforts to engage diverse local communities and create a more accessible space for all audiences. This study demonstrates that targeted initiatives to welcome the LGBT community can establish the museum as a safe and inviting space for staff and visitors alike; connect LGBT individuals with a shared history and shed light on invisible narratives; educate front-line staff about gender and sexual difference and prepare them for positive interactions with LGBT vi visitors; and present opportunities for collaboration, community building, and critical dialogue to occur. These discoveries present valuable insights for art educators and museum practitioners interested in developing more inclusive practices within their own organizations and working toward a more just society for all. vii Table of Contents Dedication .............................................................................................................. iv Acknowledgements ..................................................................................................v Abstract .................................................................................................................. vi List of Figures ...................................................................................................... xiii List of Illustrations ............................................................................................... xiv Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ........................................................................1 Central Research Question ..............................................................................4 Problem Statement ..........................................................................................5 Research Methodology ...................................................................................5 Motivations for Research ................................................................................7 Personal Motivations .............................................................................7 Professional Motivations .......................................................................9 Limitations of the Study ................................................................................10 Significance to the Field ...............................................................................11 Definition of Terms .......................................................................................11 Conclusion ....................................................................................................15 Chapter 2: Review of Literature ............................................................................18 The Social Role of the Museum ....................................................................18 Social Inclusion in the Museum ....................................................................22 LGBT Inclusion in the Museum ...................................................................29 Conclusion ....................................................................................................38 Chapter 3: Situating the Study ...............................................................................40 Hampton Roads .............................................................................................40 Norfolk .................................................................................................42 LGBT History ......................................................................................44 LGBT Community ...............................................................................46 viii Population ...................................................................................46 Economic impact ........................................................................47 Health and safety .........................................................................48 Policies and procedures ...............................................................48 The Chrysler Museum of Art ........................................................................50 Overview ..............................................................................................50 History..................................................................................................51 Irene Leache & Annie Wood ......................................................51 Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. .................................................................54 Recent evolution .........................................................................58 LGBT Inclusive Programs ............................................................................61 Tseng Kwong Chi: Performing for the Camera Opening Party ..........61 World AIDS Day Programming ..........................................................62 Cultural Competency Workshops ........................................................63 Gay-Straight Alliance Visits ................................................................63 Gallery Talks ........................................................................................63 PrideFest ..............................................................................................64 LGBT Town Hall .................................................................................64 Conference Presentations .....................................................................65 Conclusion ....................................................................................................65 Chapter 4: Methodology ........................................................................................67 Research Approach .......................................................................................67 Research Philosophy .....................................................................................67 Research Design ............................................................................................72 Qualitative Mixed Methods Research ..................................................72 Case Study Research ............................................................................75 Research Methods .........................................................................................77 Direct Observation ...............................................................................78 October 12, 2016: Gay-Straight Alliance visit ...........................80 October 13, 2016: LGBT 101 and Beyond! ................................83 ix October 14, 2016: LGBT inclusion training ...............................86 Interviews .............................................................................................89 Interview participants ..................................................................91 Sample questions ........................................................................95 Questionnaires ......................................................................................97
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