ArtTable’s Impact Initiatives

With the vision of ArtTable founder Lila Harnett, ArtTable began in individual homes, at lunch and dinner tables in New York City in 1980 to give women “a seat at the table” in the field of visual arts. Our mission-driven programs cultivate the next generation of arts leaders, support cross-generational mentorship, and work toward a more equitable and inclusive arts ecosystem. Through strategic initiatives and sustained action, we are creating a tangible impact across the field.

Fellowship Program

Our flagship Fellowship Program provides hands-on, high-level work experiences for emerging professionals from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Hosted by leading museums and arts organizations across the country, fellows gain deep exposure to the field and are paired with dedicated mentors—ArtTable members who are leaders in their areas of expertise.

One-On-One Mentorship Program

Launched in 2025, ArtTable’s Mentorship Program connects members at all career stages through curated one-on-one pairings. This member-to-member initiative fosters professional growth, career advancement, and leadership development, empowering the next generation while allowing seasoned professionals to give back.

CareerRoundTable

Held annually each fall, the CareerRoundTable is one of ArtTable’s longest-running and most impactful mentoring events. Over two days, students and emerging professionals across disciplines—arts administration, museum studies, art history, curatorial practice, and more—engage directly with established women and nonbinary arts leaders for career insight, guidance, and connection. To date, the program has reached more than 1,700 participants nationwide.

DEIA Efforts

ArtTable is committed to embedding DEIA principles across all aspects of our work. Guided by a formal action plan, we engage in professional consultation, host educational programming, and design initiatives that expand our reach to a broader, more inclusive community. With donor support, we continue to build a more representative and accessible arts field.

Pay Equity

Through original research, public programs, and discussion forums, ArtTable addresses the systemic inequities in arts compensation. Our Pay Equity Initiative gathers new data to illuminate gender-based disparities and inform actionable change. This research is among the first of its kind focused specifically on women and nonbinary arts professionals.

Affiliate Level Membership

To foster greater age and socioeconomic diversity within our network, ArtTable created the Affiliate Membership level—available to early-career professionals (less than five years of experience) for just $85 per year. The Impact Initiatives Fund helps subsidize this cost, opening the door for hundreds of emerging professionals to join our community.