smithsonian latino art collections - Smithsonian Latino Center

Moreover, also in 1987 an ad-hoc group comprised of Smithsonian employees was formed “to
discuss the emerging presence of Latinos and Hispanic/Latin American programming at the
Institution.” 23 In May 1988 the group was formally constituted and institutionalized within the
Smithsonian structure as a committee under the Offices of the Assistant Secretaries for Education,
Public Service and the Offices of the Arts and Humanities. The Smithsonian Latino Working Committee’s
mission was to “foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the history, art, science, and culture
of Latinos, and to familiarize senior management with its views and concerns about the Institution.” 24
The Committee in turn formed sub-committees to conduct studies of the institution to identify needs
and challenges in order to provide recommendations in a wider plan for cultural diversity
implementation. Arguably, this was the first pan institutional survey of the Smithsonian’s
Hispanic/Latin American and Latino exhibitions and public programs; research, resources and education;
development; and publications (bilingualism). 25
The Smithsonian Latino Working Committee’s 1989 recommendations centered on the
enhancement of “the quantity and quality of Smithsonian Institution exhibitions and public programs for
the Hispanic and Latin American communities and to ensure the programmatic accuracy of those
programs.” 26 In particular, the Committee recommended: the appointment of a Hispanic member to
the Smithsonian Board of Regents; internal studies on attendance and audience development of Latin
American and Hispanic publics; the development of Hispanic and Latin American multilingual exhibitions
and public programs with relevance to Hispanic and Latin American communities and with historical
recognition to their contributions; the use of the Committee as a resource to SI Bureaus; the monitoring
of an announced program of Hispanic American history at American History; the review of hiring
practices and number of Hispanics at the Institution; the development of a job bank for qualified
Hispanics; awareness of bilingualism in support of the Institution’s mission in publications and programs;
and the creation of bilingual translation services and awareness for bilingual publicity materials,
exhibitions, symposia and publications. 27
In April 1990 the Committee issued an assessment of its goals and activities in a report to
Secretary Adams and to U.S. Congressman William Clay, Chair of the House Committee on the Post
Office and Civil Service, noting that “there are not sufficient numbers of Latinos on staff at the
Smithsonian nor has the Institution hired significant number of Latinos, to demonstrate an Institutional
priority for cultural diversity.” 28 As way of introduction to the incoming Under Secretary Carmen Turner,
the Committee issued its priority goals for 1991: the increase of Latino senior and mid-level positions;
the promotion of existing initiatives and expansion of programs (including appointing a curator and a
23 Memo to Constance Berry Newman, Under Secretary, May 28, 1992., p. 1. Smithsonian Institution Archives,
Office of the Under Secretary, Latino Task Force Records, 1993-1994. Folder: Materials submitted by the
Smithsonian Latino Working Committee to the Special Latino Task Force, April 12, 1993, Accession Number 95-073.
24 Ibid, p. 1.
25 Spokesmen for the subcommittees in 1989 included Bob Manning for the Research, Resources and Educational
Subcommittee; Luis Tassara for the Publications (Bilingualism) Subcommittee; Dennis Medina for the Exhibitions
and Public Program Subcommittee; and Manuel Melendez for the Development Subcommittee.
Memorandum to Secretary Adams, March 31, 1989. Smithsonian Institution Archives, Folder: Materials submitted
by the Smithsonian Latino Working Committee to the Special Latino Task Force, April 12, 1993, Accession Number
95-073.
26 Gabriela Frings, Chair, LWC. Memorandum to Secretary Adams, March 31, 1989. Smithsonian Institution
Archives, Record Unit 95-073, box 1.
27 Ibid. Frings Memo to Adams, 1989.
28 Dennis Medina and Charo Basterra Co-Chairs, LWC. Memorandum to Carmen Turner, Under Secretary,
December 15, 1990. Smithsonian Institution Archives, Accession Record Unit 95-073, box 1.
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