Key Moments

(1:07) How have women, particularly Black women leaders, shaped and strengthened the arts and cultural sector? 

“Black women are prominent in being sure to create that safe… for dialogue and… for connection where a variety of voices can be experienced and heard, and I think it makes for a better arts and culture community and ecosystem.”
— Dr. Barbara-Shae Jackson

“I think about some of the women who have really inspired me, who are establishing new cultural spaces and traditions, transforming the landscape of financial support for the arts, and thinking about what narratives being shared, the stories being told in arts and culture spaces across the country.

I think about Margaret Morton, Program Director for Presidential Initiatives at the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation; Dr. Kelli Morgan, who co-founded the Black Artists Archive in Detroit to preserve legacies and elevate the voices of Black artists; and Diane Jean-Mary, Executive Director at the Black Trustee Alliance for Art Museums, who is really focusing on how to equip Black trustees at critical decision-making points in organizations with the resources needed to drive meaningful change within their institutions.”
— Dr. Jen Benoit-Bryan

(6:34) As we enter a new political landscape, how can leaders proactively prepare to safeguard diversity, equity and inclusion?

“We're also leaning into ways to let the data do the talking about how diversity contributes to innovation, engagement, and performance.”
— Dr. Jen Benoit-Bryan

(12:55) How can research serve as a tool for sustaining the arts and maintaining an inclusive cultural sector?

“If we do not care about populations that might be at risk, we might not be as curious to think about questions that could help generate data to help with any movement forward.”
— Dr. Barbara-Shae Jackson

“When people see themselves in the data—when they find their community reflected in it—that’s when real connections happen. As researchers, we must involve communities from the very beginning: shaping the questions, exploring findings alongside them, and considering what actions would be most meaningful. That’s how change begins.”
— Dr. Jen Benoit-Bryan

(22:05) How can the sector continue to uplift, support, and amplify women's voices, especially those of Black and BIPOC leaders?

“It’s about providing platforms, amplifying voices, sharing stories, and elevating artistic expression. It’s also about being strategic in how and where we collaborate and offer support.”
— Dr. Jen Benoit-Bryan

“Women often encounter glass ceilings, and Black women face both racial barriers and gender-based challenges. Many struggle with the question: ‘How do I fight external battles while also navigating internal ones?’ Creating truly safe spaces within organizations engaged in cultural work is crucial.”
— Dr. Barbara-Shae Jackson

As we celebrate women leading the arts in our communities, this conversation reminds us that—despite challenges—women in the arts continue to drive meaningful progress. They remain rooted in data, historical context, and a deep commitment to equity. This Women's History Month, SMU DataArts honors women across the nation fighting for a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking arts and culture sector.