Concerns about equity linger as Metro Arts begins the search for a new director

The Metro agency in charge of distributing funds to local artists and institutions is looking for a new executive director.

The head of Metro Arts, Caroline Vincent, stepped down earlier this month after allegations of inequities and racism inside the department. But will the search for her replacement run into some of the same issues?

Lauren Fitzgerald was one of three women of color who filed complaints of unfair treatment during their employment at Metro Arts.

Now, she sees this job posting as the department’s chance to recommit to its mission.

“I’m hoping that Metro Arts takes the opportunity to lean into their community,” Fitzgerald says, “to inform their process and also inform the decision.”

But Fitzgerald already has concerns about some of the job requirements. For example, Metro’s Human Resources Department, which is separate from Metro Arts, will conduct a credit check.

Metro HR says that’s appropriate and fiscally responsible, because the director will manage taxpayer money. Fitzgerald says it could tip the scales away from some candidates

“This process of checking a credit score is inequitable and alienates our communities,” Fitzgerald says. “Certain communities are set up for failure when it comes to developing credit and developing financial health. But that does not make a person a bad leader.”

The HR department is handling the job posting and the beginning of the search. That’s after its investigations into complaints of racism within Metro Arts prompted backlash.

Metro HR found that there were no policy violations in the arts department. But Council member Joy Styles says there is a big chasm between that and treating people of color equitably.

“This Metro Arts incident highlighted that gap for us,” Styles says.

Metro Arts is the only agency that has published an equity statement. It says it’s committed to anti-racism and elevating underrepresented voices. But Styles says Metro HR does not operate from that lens.

“I think it explains very well what has happened in the past, and why people feel going to Metro HR is an exercise in futility,” Styles says. “They are looking in a different lens than the lens that we need to be addressing things through.”

That’s why the minority caucus in Metro government is drafting an equity statement that would apply to all departments across the city. Styles says it will ensure that Human Resources could hold any city employee to a higher standard than they are now. She hopes it will create more accountability, both when an employee has a complaint and when it comes to the hiring process.

Metro HR says it has never received complaints about the way it conducts executive searches. And the chair of the Metro Arts Commission, Jim Schmidt, says he has faith in the department’s ability to help with the search.

“The Commission has the responsibility to hire the next Executive Director of the agency,” Schmidt says, “and is committed to finding a diverse pool of applicants. I think there are a number of opportunities within the process to make sure we live up to that commitment.”