Did you know that the DAM has a Black Arts Collective (BAC)? This impactful group was launched in 2023 to further strengthen the museum’s collection with acquisitions by Black artists, who have been historically underrepresented across all museums. This initiative started with key leaders from the DAM’s board and foundation board—Wally Bakare, James Holmes, Tina Walls, and Daniel Yohannes—in collaboration with the Development department. Our goal is to bring together business and philanthropic leaders, collectors, and advocates to support the collection’s growth in this key area. We are thrilled that additional board members, Chris Law and Craig Ponzio, and notable community leaders have joined BAC, including Cleo Parker Robinson and artist Senga Nengudi.
The museum’s collection has always been shaped by the generosity of donors and supporters—and has been dynamic and forward-thinking in many ways. We own iconic works by major artists like El Anatsui, Mark Bradford, Kerry James Marshall, Sam Gilliam, Jordan Casteel, and Senga Nengudi—many of which were purchased shortly after they were created as artists were still emerging.
BAC is continuing this trend with the significant acquisitions it has funded so far:
- Pink Astilbe by Amoako Boafo was part of the Soul of Black Folks exhibition, which received wonderful feedback from the public. We wanted to support Boafo and our community by keeping a piece of this special exhibition in Denver. The painting is currently on view in the Sie Welcome Center Uncrated case.
- Alioune Diagne was featured in last year’s Venice Biennale and caught the eye of curator John Lukavic who proposed Jeune marchand ambulant as an acquisition for BAC shortly after. This large and intricate painting is going to be installed soon on the 4th floor of the Hamilton Building! When it is, you will see that the image is made up of an array of small marks which may be compared to pointillism, but in a style all its own.
Together with BAC, we’ll continue to grow this important collection area and continue to reflect on the museum’s diverse audiences and global collections. Annual dues for the Black Arts Collective are $5,000 and there is also a $2,500 introductory level to welcome new museum supporters. While larger gifts like this are necessary to build the collection, we also are happy to have contributions at any level.
Photos: Black Arts Collective supporters enjoying museum programs
Of course, the collection grows in many ways, including gifts of art and direct support for specific works. The DAM’s other Collectors’ Groups have also supported purchases of works by Black artists. For instance, in recent years several photographs by Dawoud Bey were purchased by the Photography Acquisitions Alliance; the Contemporary Collectors’ Circle purchased works by Mark Bradford, Ebony Patterson, and Jordan Casteel to name a few; and a series of chairs featured in the Architecture and Design Galleries were purchased by the Architecture and Design Collectors’ Council. Check out the Bloomberg Connects audio tour Seen/Unseen: African Diaspora Across Collections to discover works by Black artists and subjects currently on view at the DAM, including some of these. It is narrated by Javon Brame, member of the museum's Black Arts Collective.
To learn more about the Black Arts Collective and other Collectors’ Groups, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Elizabeth Friesen Birky
Development Initiatives Specialist
EFriesenBirky@denverartmuseum.org
Mary Beth Polce
Director of Development
mbpolce@denverartmuseum.org
