Indianapolis Museum of Art Names New Leader Following Diversity Scandal

The Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields has named its third president and CEO in four years as it attempts to move past a racism scandal that forced the departure of its longtime leader in 2021. 

Newfields has tapped Le Monte G. Booker Sr., the chief financial officer of Chicago’s Field Museum, according to a news release from the organization. 

“I am thrilled to start my next chapter as the CEO of Newfields, which is an outstanding example of a cornerstone cultural institution, Booker said in a statement, adding that he looks “forward to working with the Board, staff and Central Indiana community to continue to meet the mission of enriching lives through exceptional experiences with art and nature at this special institution.”

Booker succeeds Colette Pierce Burnette, the first Black woman to lead the institution in its 141-year-history, who resigned in November under unclear circumstances after only 15 months into her tenure. Burnette was hired to replace former Newfields CEO Charles Venable, who departed amid controversy over an Indianapolis Museum of Art director job listing seeking a candidate who could maintain its “traditional, core, white art audience.” Following online backlash, Newfields issued an apology and the phrasing was updated to read “traditional core art audience”.  

The job listing generated a mass outcry from the general public, including a petition for Venable’s resignation, and sparked renewed scrutiny of the museum’s mission in recent years. That same summer, a former associate curator accused museum leadership of facilitating a “toxic” and discriminatory work culture, and described a “racist rant” from one board member. Burnette also inherited Venerable’s controversial vision for museum programming, which critics said prioritized blockbuster exhibitions and money-making schemes, such as a $25 admission to a winter holiday festival. 

 Booker will assume leadership in late October 2024.