Statement from Eugene Gargaro, Jr. Chair, Detroit Institute of Arts Board of Directors

Updated Jul 21, 2020

Our Board is aware of the complaints and allegations made public by former employees in recent days and we take them seriously, addressing each of them. 

Importantly, we have full confidence in Salvador Salort-Pons and the leadership team of the DIA, and the high professional standards used to implement the museum’s policies approved by this board.

The Board has hired a nationally-respected law firm, with no prior relationship to the museum, to conduct an independent review of our policies that govern our art loans processes and conservation services. This will ensure all best governance practices will continue to be followed.

We are also committed to significant progress in the crucial areas of diversity, equity, inclusion and access. We will listen to the input of current and former employees, along with independent experts, to inform decision-making. These are high priorities for our Board and staff leadership as the museum can, must and will continue to make progress on action, in order to best represent and serve Detroit and our region. Importantly, the Board supports leadership’s hiring policies and efforts to retain a talented workforce that reflects the diversity of our region.

The DIA belongs to our community and its voices will continue to inform how we shape our future.

Our Board is aware of the complaints and allegations made public by former employees in recent days and we take them seriously, addressing each of them. 

Importantly, we have full confidence in Salvador Salort-Pons and the leadership team of the DIA, and the high professional standards used to implement the museum’s policies approved by this board.

The Board has hired a nationally-respected law firm, with no prior relationship to the museum, to conduct an independent review of our policies that govern our art loans processes and conservation services. This will ensure all best governance practices will continue to be followed.

We are also committed to significant progress in the crucial areas of diversity, equity, inclusion and access. We will listen to the input of current and former employees, along with independent experts, to inform decision-making. These are high priorities for our Board and staff leadership as the museum can, must and will continue to make progress on action, in order to best represent and serve Detroit and our region. Importantly, the Board supports leadership’s hiring policies and efforts to retain a talented workforce that reflects the diversity of our region.

The DIA belongs to our community and its voices will continue to inform how we shape our future.