Augusta Savage Legacy Honored with Establishment of Curator of African American Art at Smithsonian American Art Museum

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In a historic announcement, the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) revealed the establishment of the Augusta Savage Curator of African American Art, generously funded by anonymous donors with a $5 million endowment gift. This groundbreaking position aims to elevate the legacy of Augusta Savage, an influential African American sculptor and educator.

The donors' wish to name the position after Augusta Savage reflects their desire to honor her extraordinary contributions to the art world. Savage, a trailblazer in her own right, tirelessly championed Black artists while her own artworks were underrecognized during her lifetime. Through this endowed curatorial position, SAAM reaffirms its commitment to collecting and preserving works by African American artists.

Joining the museum's curatorial team as the inaugural Augusta Savage Curator of African American Art is Dalila Scruggs. With a wealth of expertise spanning painting, prints, sculpture, and photography from the 19th and 20th centuries, Scruggs brings a unique perspective to her new role. Her tenure at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and as a guest curator at the Brooklyn Museum has prepared her to lead SAAM's efforts in African American art curation.

Scruggs's approach to curatorial practice is rooted in inclusivity and visitor-centered engagement. Drawing on her experience as a museum educator, she seeks to cultivate a dynamic and immersive experience for visitors, placing emphasis on both the artworks and the individuals engaging with them.

Stephanie Stebich, the Margaret and Terry Stent Director of SAAM, expressed gratitude for the donors' generous gift and emphasized Augusta Savage's enduring impact on the art world. The donors themselves highlighted Savage's belief in inclusivity and her dedication to empowering aspiring artists. Through this gift, they aim to perpetuate Savage's legacy and ensure that her contributions are recognized and celebrated for generations to come.

The establishment of the Augusta Savage Curator of African American Art represents a significant milestone in SAAM's ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts. By honoring Savage's legacy and supporting the work of curators like Dalila Scruggs, SAAM continues to champion the voices and narratives of African American artists within the broader art historical canon.