Amid outcry, Newfields releases statement but answers no questions about CEO's exit

Two days after a protest demanding answers about the abrupt departure of Newfields' president and CEO, the institution's Board of Trustees released a statement that shed no light on the reasons for Colette Pierce Burnette's exit.

"While we are unable to provide additional details around the current leadership transition at Newfields, we want to assure the community there is no change in our strategy, mission and values," begins the statement, released late Tuesday afternoon.

"Newfields has been working hard to earn the community’s trust. We are grateful to our staff, volunteers, boards, partner organizations and funders for helping to deliver on our commitment to being an inclusive organization. Together, we have made progress but understand important work remains."

On Nov. 10, Newfields announced Burnette's exit after just 15 months in the role but did not provide a reason or say whether she resigned or was terminated. The former CEO — the first Black woman to hold the position — has not responded to IndyStar's requests for comment.

Over the past month and a half, three members of the Board of Trustees have resigned: Otto Frenzel IV on Oct. 9, Gary Hirschberg on Nov. 10 and Adrienne Sims on Nov. 17. Newfields confirmed the resignations but has not provided reasons for them. IndyStar reached out to the departed board members for comment but has not heard back.

On Sunday, about 45 protesters, including state Sen. Andrea Hunley of Indianapolis, gathered outside the museum to call out what they said was "systemic racism" and to pressure the board to reinstate Burnette.

"She had a voice and she had a significant amount of influence," Kiara Kamara told IndyStar on Sunday. "So, for her to be removed so disrespectfully and unceremoniously, without explanation, I feel like it shows a lack of regard for Black patrons and Black people who want to be part of the art scene in Indianapolis."

Julie Goodman, president and CEO of Indy Arts Council, weighed in on Burnette's departure in a Facebook post following the museum's announcement demanding transparency and calling out what she said was "callous and cold communication fueling a cycle of trauma and harm."

Indiana Black Expo and the Indianapolis Urban League announced last week that they have halted partnerships with Newfields. In addition, the African American Coalition of Indianapolis and 18 Black organizations released a statement about Burnette's departure.

"The lack of transparency surrounding her departure raises unsettling questions," the coalition statement said. "Amid many rumors and allegations fueled by a press announcement highlighting her exit, we are left feeling angry, frustrated, confused, and betrayed."

Burnette's hire was part of Newfields' effort to regain trust after public outcry in 2021 over an Indianapolis Museum of Art director job post that sought to maintain the organization's "traditional, core, white art audience" while diversifying patrons.

Part of Newfields' action plan in the wake of the controversy was to build trust with communities of color. The Board of Trustees' statement Tuesday pledged to continue to develop statewide programs and find and keep diverse talent.

"We value respectful and constructive dialogue with the community about all that we do and all that we aspire to be," the board's statement read.

In response to an IndyStar request for interviews with interim CEO Michael Kubacki, board Chair Darrianne Christian and newly hired museum Director Belinda Tate, a Newfields spokesperson said the institution is not conducting interviews at this time.

IndyStar reporters Ko Lyn Cheang, Rory Appleton and John Tufts contributed to this report.

Contact IndyStar reporter Domenica Bongiovanni at 317-444-7339 or d.bongiovanni@indystar.com. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter: @domenicareports.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Newfields releases statement but answers no questions about CEO's exit