An Artist Speaks Up About Experiencing Anti-Black Discrimination at Seattle's Office of Arts and Culture

"The system, to the bone, is flawed," says artist Paul Rucker.
by Jasmyne Keimig
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Jun 4, 2021 at 11:30 am
Paul Rucker has something to say. Courtesy of Ryan StevensonLast week, artist Paul Rucker dropped an op-ed in Artnet detailing his experience with racial discrimination as the first Black male arts program manager at Seattle's Office of Arts and Culture. The op-ed is also a call to reexamine the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion template, asking organizations to prioritize actively improving the working conditions for Black people over making empty statements.
While Rucker has not worked for the office for almost a decade and no longer lives in the Seattle area (though he shows here occasionally), he told me he finally has enough distance—and extensive documentation—that he felt in a good position to speak up about his experience working for the city.

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