Rita C. Organ has over two decades of museum experience, and she credits CCA with giving her the tools to excel in her career. As an interdisciplinary fine arts major, Organ had the opportunity to take classes in almost every program at the college. “My CCA education helps me to this day,” she says. “In the museum world I have to deal with all kinds of artists, and I can speak their language, so it paid off for me.”

Among those at CCA who influenced Organ was activist, author, and academic Angela Davis. “She is the person I hold responsible for getting me into museums,” Organ says. Davis encouraged Organ to apply for an internship at the Smithsonian. For two summers Organ worked with Bernice Johnson Reagon, founder of the Smithsonian Institution’s Program in African American Culture and singing group Sweet Honey in the Rock. Through the Smithsonian internship, Organ realized that she had an administrative mind. This insight led to her ultimate career.

Organ has curated and coordinated the development of more than 90 exhibitions. She has served as director of exhibits and collections at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati; the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit; and the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. She is currently executive director of the Indiana Museum of African American History, a new museum scheduled to open in downtown Indianapolis in 2009.

Organ enjoys starting museums from the ground up. “I’m leading the charge,” she says. “I was the first staff member, and there’s still only two of us. We’re really doing this from scratch.” Organ must monitor all aspects of the project, from architecture, construction, exhibit design, and installation to raising money, increasing staff, and planning events. She sees the museum as a 21st-century experience, balancing hands-on, interactive exhibits with more traditional storytelling and artifacts. There will be areas highlighting genealogy, Indiana’s African American music and performing arts legacies, and a theater.

When asked what’s next, this busy arts administrator says that she might stay put for a while. “I love my job,” Organ says. “I’ve been moving from museum to museum for the last 20 years, but I’ve actually just bought a house. I love it here, it’s a great city, and I plan to be on this project for quite a while. Finally I’m going to settle in.”

From Glance, 2005

Born 1965, Omaha, NE

CCA degree:
BFA 1987, Interdisciplinary Fine Arts/Ethnic Art Studies

Other education:
Graduate studies in arts administration, 1987–90, Indiana University

Residence:
Indianapolis, IN

Current occupation:
Executive director, Indiana Museum of African American History

Influences at CCA:
Angela Davis, Charlie Gill, Malaquias Montoya