MASS MoCA STRIKE
I took this photo during one of my last days working full-time at MASS MoCA in 2018. I had been worn down by systemic workplace exploitation that led to injury and disability. It wrecked me to leave an environment that, even though it hurt me greatly, I loved so dearly.
It pains me to see MASS MoCA museum staff still dealing with similar challenges. There are so many talented, brilliant, and dedicated employees that are overqualified, overworked, undervalued, and underpaid. Some feeling stuck in ruts where they’re not supported to healthily grow in their jobs, thus can’t afford to grow in their personal lives either. Passion can’t make up the difference.
I’m currently exhibiting my own artwork at MASS MoCA, an opportunity I don’t take lightly for so many reasons. It took me a long time to forgive the walls that held the hardship I experienced and the leadership that enabled it, and even longer to respect it again. But thanks to the immense work that so many amazing staff members have invested in the museum, I have seen bits of change. Big change is slow, I know, but change must be fast and generous enough to truly care for and hold onto these amazing folks in the meantime. MASS MoCA is a special place, not afraid to break from convention. Ending exploitation and prioritizing its people is another way it can set itself apart from the standard.
I’ve asked the museum to cancel the interactive component of my work (scheduled for this Sunday) if the two negotiating parties have not reached an agreement, ending the strike by then. I’m so disappointed to let anyone down that planned to attend, but it would be hurtful to ask staff to operate it—especially considering the artwork is directly inspired by the mental and physical pain experienced at the very museum these folks are striking.
I wrote a letter to the director of the museum in hopes of shedding light on my own experience and the immense power that leadership has to create spaces of help or hurt. If you’d like to read it, please view my stories.
Great gratitude to the @massmocaunion and all the employees that aren’t able to be on the union, but are still working towards change every day.
