Indiana Black Expo, Indianapolis Urban League halt Newfields partnerships after CEO's exit

The Indiana Black Expo and Indianapolis Urban League have brought their partnerships with Newfields "to a complete halt" due to the sudden departure of the museum's CEO, the two organizations said in a joint statement Thursday morning.

"Due to the nature of the announcement and the negative perception it has created, the Newfields board leadership owes the community an explanation about the resignation of Dr. Colette Burnette," the statement read.

More:Newfields faces questions, yet another CEO search after sudden departure

Newfields announced CEO and president Colette Pierce Burnett "would depart" the museum on Friday evening. No reason was given for her departure, and Newfields has not responded to subsequent requests for more information made by IndyStar.

"Dr. Burnette opened the Newfields' doors to many African American organizations and the entire community, and we have personally witnessed the buzz and excitement around her leadership," the statement read. "We were looking forward to expanding the partnership with Newfields in 2024, which has now come to a complete halt."

IBE is centered around promoting cultural diversity across the state, while the local Urban League chapter advocates for social service, civil rights and racial justice.

Katrina Owens, IBE's vice president for administration, said Burnette's departure came as a complete shock.

"We were exchanging emails (with Newfields) just in the last few weeks as we were planning for 2024," Owens said.

'It's been almost a week, and we've heard nothing'

IBE was contacted by Newfields following a now-infamous job posting in which the museum called for a director to maintain its "traditional, core, white art audience," Owens said.

"We were contacted when the issue happened to help re-engage the African-American community whom we serve," Owens said.

The nonprofit would eventually support Burnette's hiring as CEO.

In 2023, IBE hosted a film festival over two days at Newfields as part of its Summer Celebration, Owens said, bringing in 250 people. IBE also purchased museum memberships for all of its volunteers.

The two organizations had been discussing partnering for at least two other events in 2024, Owens said. IBE has not been told anything about Burnette's departure, including whether she resigned or was removed.

"We responded to (Newfields') call to assist, and that's why we're calling for an answer," she said. "It's been almost a week, and we've heard nothing."

The two nonprofits join Indy Arts Council in calling for more transparency from the city's largest art museum.

Indianapolis musician and artist Keith "Wildstyle" Paschall referenced the Black Expo and Urban League's statement in a Facebook post calling for a protest at Newfields on Sunday, when the museum's immensely popular Winterlights program is set to begin.

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Rory Appleton is the pop culture reporter at IndyStar. Contact him at 317-552-9044 and rappleton@indystar.com, or follow him on Twitter at @RoryEHAppleton.