Latest news with #ArtsAndCulture
Reuters
3 days ago
- General
- Reuters
Trump fires National Portrait Gallery director, citing DEI support
May 30 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday he had fired the director of the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., describing her as a supporter of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and saying she was inappropriate for the role. Trump did not cite any specific actions or comments by Kim Sajet that may have triggered her firing, which he announced in a brief social media post. Representatives for Sajet, the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian Institution, which owns the museum, did not immediately reply to requests for comment. "Upon the request and recommendation of many people, I am herby terminating the employment of Kim Sajet," Trump said in his post on Truth Social. "She is a highly partisan person, and a strong supporter of DEI, which is totally inappropriate for her position." He added a new gallery director would be named soon. Sajet was the first woman to serve as director of the gallery, a landmark Washington institution that houses portraits of distinguished Americans, including every president. It contains over 26,000 works, according to its website. It was not immediately clear whether Trump had the legal authority to fire Sajet. The Smithsonian is technically independent of the federal government, despite receiving most of its budget from the U.S. Congress. Sajet's firing is the latest salvo in Trump's war against DEI initiatives. It also comes as Trump seeks to reshape the capital's arts and culture scene, including by dismissing Kennedy Center board members and installing himself as chairman. Trump's DEI actions have alarmed advocates, who say they effectively erase decades of hard-fought progress on leveling the playing field for marginalized communities. Trump's administration claims DEI initiatives are discriminatory and stifle merit. Sajet, a Nigerian-born art historian, has served as the gallery's director since 2013. In a 2015 interview with the Washington Post, opens new tab, Sajet reflected on the gallery's efforts to examine issues of race and gender. "Where are all the women and African Americans?" Sajet told the Post of the gallery's collection. "We can't correct the ills of history. Women and men and women of color — their portraits weren't taken. How are we going to show the presence of absence?"
Irish Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Arts Council director Maureen Kennelly to stand down in wake of botched IT contract
Maureen Kennelly has announced her intention to resign as director of the Arts Council next month. It comes as the council is due to appear before the Public Accounts Committee on Thursday concerning the failed project to develop an IT system for the organisation which cost nearly €6.7 million. In communications to staff, Ms Kennelly said she will be leaving her position soon after the Oireachtas committee hearings are complete. The controversial project sparked a full review into the operations of the council, after Minister for Arts and Culture Patrick O'Donovan said an initial report found it was not prepared for the scale of the IT project. READ MORE Ms Kennelly, who was appointed in April 2020, told staff her term as director was due to finish this month, adding that last December, the board of the Arts Council made a business case for her contract to be renewed for a further five-year term. However, following the publication of the Arts Council's annual report in February, which included details of the IT project costs, Ms Kennelly said the Minister refused to sanction the renewal. The board subsequently suggested that a decision on the renewal of Ms Kennelly's contract be deferred until after the work of the review group was complete, she said. Ms Kennelly told staff the board was 'disappointed' that the department could not see a way to do this, adding that she was subsequently offered a short-term contract with conditions she felt she 'could not accept.' She told staff it has been an honour to lead the council through 'tumultuous and exciting times' in the arts. In a statement, the board said it was with 'deep regret' that Ms Kennelly will step down as director in June. 'Maureen concluded her five-year term on 4 May and has generously agreed to remain in her role to represent the Arts Council at upcoming Public Accounts Committee and Oireachtas hearings,' it said. Noting that Ms Kennelly was appointed during the 'height of the Covid-19 pandemic,' the board said she led the organisation through an 'exceptionally challenging time.' 'Under her leadership, the Arts Council underwent a period of significant cultural change, with a strong focus on organisational development and staff wellbeing. 'She successfully resolved long-standing legacy challenges and brought renewed strategic clarity to the council's work. 'Together with the council, she secured unprecedented increases in State funding for the arts – enabling artists and organisations across the country to create and present work of outstanding quality. She also championed higher professional standards and fostered a climate of trust and respect across the wider arts sector,' it said. Maura McGrath, chair of the Arts Council, said Ms Kennelly is 'truly of the arts.' 'For her, the role of director was a vocation, not merely a job. Her commitment and passion were evident every day and are widely acknowledged across the sector. We are deeply grateful for her unwavering dedication and her loyal service to the arts community,' she said.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
City of Albuquerque purchases old Unser family home, seeks input on what to do with it
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It's a piece of history along Route 66 that the city just couldn't pass up. The property on Central Ave. and Unser Blvd. might not look like much at first, but it houses Albuquerque's history. 'The Central and Unser property is, was the former home of Bobby Unser, who was, you know, part of the Unser racing family, legends of Albuquerque,' said Shelle Sanchez, Director of the City of Albuquerque's Arts and Culture Department. Story continues below Food: Albuquerque shop makes 'Top 50 Donuts' list on Yelp Trending: New Mexico's largest electricity provider is raising its rate in 2025, 2026 Events: What's happening around New Mexico May 16-22: Boots In The Park and more News: Jemez Springs prepares for overhaul of sewage collection system after overflow spill Three-time Indy 500 champion and racing legend, Bobby Unser, died at 87 years old in 2021. It was the Unser family who then offered the at least four-acre property to the city. 'It was important to the Unser family that this property really benefit the city,' said Sanchez. The city bought the property for $2.2 million, calling it a major investment. 'Because of the really important cultural history, you know, the racing history in New Mexico, our car culture, also the location is really important for the city and hour we develop,' said Sanchez. 'The Unser family's impact on racing is legendary and their story deeply rooted in Albuquerque,' said District 3 City Councilor Klarissa Peña in a news release. 'For generations, the Unser legacy and racing history called our city home. Purchase of the Unser property provides a perfect opportunity for us to commemorate and honor the Unser spirit of innovation.' 'We're creating more spaces where future generations can connect to our city's unique history, vibrant culture, and families like the Unsers who shaped it,' said Mayor Tim Keller in a news release. 'This project is about honoring our roots and working hand in hand with the community to carry that legacy forward.' Right now, the city does not have a master plan for the space, but is committed to preserving certain parts of it. 'There's a very important piece of history right there, which is the Unser's family garage and kind of repair shop that sits right there on Route 66,' said Sanchez. The city is now looking to the public for their ideas on how to utilize the space. 'We don't want to rush into anything. When you have such a big opportunity, you need to make the most of it,' said Sanchez. A public input session is scheduled for June 5 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Central & Unser Library, where residents can share ideas on what to do with the site. People can RSVP here. Additional input sessions will be announced later. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
