Priya Frank

Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at Seattle Art Museum

Priya Frank is the Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (DEDI) at the Seattle Art Museum (SAM), a position she has held since July 2020. This role is pivotal in shaping the museum's commitment to racial equity and social justice, integrating these values into its strategic priorities. Frank previously served as the Associate Director of Community Programs at SAM, where she was instrumental in founding the museum's Equity Team and developing initiatives aimed at enhancing community engagement and representation within the arts.1 2

Background and Education

Born and raised in Seattle, Frank holds a B.A. in Communications and American Ethnic Studies from the University of Washington Seattle and an M.A. in Cultural Studies from the University of Washington Bothell. She has been recognized for her contributions to the community, being named one of Seattle Magazine's "Most Influential People" in 2018 and included in Puget Sound Business Journal's "40 Under 40" list in 2019.1 4

Professional Contributions

In her current role, Frank focuses on:

Creating a Culture Shift: She aims to center racial equity within foundational practices at SAM.
Building Partnerships: Frank works collaboratively across various departments to ensure that equity initiatives are integrated throughout the museum.
Community Engagement: She leads programs that invite community members to participate in decision-making processes regarding exhibitions and museum practices.2 3 5

Frank's leadership has expanded the Equity Team to 40 members, implementing initiatives like the Emerging Arts Leader Internship for underrepresented candidates and paid Exhibition Advisory Committees for community input on programming.1 2

Vision and Impact

Frank emphasizes that her work is a lifelong commitment to dismantling institutional racism within cultural spaces. She believes that museums must evolve to remain relevant and responsive to diverse cultural communities. Her approach includes fostering authentic connections with these communities to create an inclusive environment where all individuals can see themselves represented.1 5

In addition to her role at SAM, Frank serves as the Chair of the Seattle Arts Commission, advocating for equitable access to arts and culture across Seattle.6