Save Metro Arts

Dear Arts Leaders & Supporters,

I am asking you to speak up to Save Metro Arts (click here for the short version). Many of you may already know, but in the Fall, allegations of a toxic work environment and racial discrimination by white leaders at Metro Arts came to light (two articles linked here and here). Commission Chair Jim Schmidt has been unwaveringly supportive of former Executive Director Caroline Vincent and current Interim ED Ian Myers throughout this entire ordeal, despite the evidence indicating their willingness to create a toxic work environment including racial discrimination. This has all happened in spite of Metro Arts’ cultural equity statement (which can be found linked here). 

The situation elevated when Interim ED Myers retaliated against Metro Arts’ only AAPI staff person by placing Strategic Funding & Initiatives Director Janine Christiano on administrative leave Friday 5/27. Mr. Myers was bafflingly on the panel of Ms. Christiano’s Disciplinary Hearing the following Tuesday morning (giving her a half-day’s notice on a holiday weekend). Among several false charges was the claim that she had contributed to an “intimidating environment” by publicly naming the toxic work environment that already existed. 

I don’t use the word abuse lightly, but Ian Myers, with the unwavering support of Commission Chair Jim Schmidt, is abusing the staff at Metro Arts by cotinuing to foster a toxic work environment that promotes racial discrimination. In doing so, Vincent, Myers, Schmidt, and by proxy Metro HR have decimated the Arts community’s trust in the Metro Arts Commission to equitably serve Nashvillians, despite the earnest commitment from most of the staff. This is why we need you to help Save Metro Arts. 

I am asking you to sign this petition requesting the removal of Jim Schmidt and Ian Myers, by either the Arts Commission or by the Mayor. Mr. Schmidt & Mr. Myers have yet to show any desire to listen to Metro Arts staff or concerned members of the public and resign on their own. 

In addition, I am asking you to contact your Council Member (find yours here) and the Mayor (mayor@nashville.gov) to ask for: 

  • The removal of Interim Exec. Dir. Ian Myers and Arts Commission Chair Jim Schmidt

  • The immediate reinstatement of Janine Christiano and a complete dismissal of charges from her personnel file

  • Either a recommitment to the Metro Arts Cultural Equity Statement by all Arts Commissioners and Metro Arts staff OR a removal of the Equity Statement from the Metro Arts website.

I will be asking my Council Member to vote against any budget increases for Metro Arts until we see these changes.

If you are able, I hope you will attend the Arts Commission Meeting on June 16 at 12:00pm (or submit a public comment as shown on that linked page) to show your support for current staff and to call for the removal of Jim Schmidt and Ian Myers.

Lastly, I encourage you to share this email with your own colleagues, artists, friends, supporters, and Nashville community members. 

Sincerely,

Alan Fey, he/him/his

freelance arts administrator

ALIAS Chamber Ensemble, Managing Director

Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra, Operations Manager

Make Music Nashville, Executive Director

Alan Fey