Smithsonian Latino Center Director Eduardo Diaz Details Newest Addition to Gallery  

This semester, Seton Hall’s Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute, in collaboration with the Institute of Museum Ethics, hosted Eduardo Diaz of the Smithsonian Latino Center. Diaz presented the gallery’s first collection dedicated to the Latino experience, ¡Presente!, and discussed his collaborative work with the Molina Family in the execution of their gallery. The gallery featured exhibits focusing on the complexity of the Latino identity, reflecting on culture and the recognition of Latino history as American history.

Diaz also discussed the necessity for diversity and inclusion within the museum field, speaking to his experiences as a Latino man in collaborating with the Smithsonian to create these exhibits. In attendance included several students of the M.A. in Museum Professions program as well as Program Director Gregory Stevens, M.A.T. Stevens, who introduced Diaz, reflected on the need for museum work to address the diverse needs and experiences of an audience. 

“I was very excited for our students to hear first-hand about the process, successes, and challenges of creating this important exhibition examining Latino culture, history, identity, and representation in the U.S.,” said Stevens. “So much of what our students and faculty in the Museum Professions program read about, research, and discuss across courses is the importance of diversity and inclusion — which is also a key focus across the University and the museum field. This lecture helped make this discourse and action come to life for all of us.” 

Program Coordinator of the Latino Institute Cristina T. Cosme reflected, “As a first-generation Latina student, it was very emotional and beautiful to be able to watch the presentation and hear about the growth of the Latin presence in museums.” 

Diaz further emphasized the need to include everyone’s story within the field, noting that despite what audience may be in attendance, inclusive and diverse practice is essential for the future of the museum field. 

The College of Communication and the Arts currently offers graduate-level programs in Museum Professions and Communication, with the opportunity to pursue specialty areas of study, including options in Public Relations, Digital Communication/Communication Technologies, and Communication in Organizations. In addition, four dual-degree options, including three accelerated M.A./B.A. programs and a dual M.B.A./M.A. degree with the School of Diplomacy and International Relation are offered.

For more information about Graduate Studies within the College of Communication and the Arts, please contact Associate Dean Ryan Hudes, Ph.D.

Categories: Arts and Culture