Save the Emerson!

Thanks for your support, Laura.

Thanks Rebecca.

From August 2023 Statement from the Emerson Board of Directors post “investigation” of wrong-doings Statement from the Board of the Emerson Center for Arts & Culture Earlier this summer, the Board was made aware of concerns about several events and interactions involving the Emerson and its management. The Board took these concerns seriously and raised a special committee to investigate them. The committee interviewed staff and people involved with the events, received written accounts, reviewed Emerson policies, and consulted the Emerson’s legal counsel to ensure best practices were followed. The committee took great care to maintain confidentiality of those that shared concerns and experiences. The committee found there are needed revisions and additions to our policies to better live out the Emerson’s mission “to build community by promoting art and culture.” We’d like to thank the individuals who shared their experiences with the committee. It inspires us that our community cares so deeply about our organization and our mission of art and community. Through the process of investigating the original concerns, the committee found a workplace culture that does not align with our organizational values and detracts from the Emerson’s ability to execute its mission. We heard from former staff, tenants, and passionate community members to better understand the environment within and around the Emerson. Many shared experiences where they were not treated with the respect and dignity that we want all to feel. Every person the committee spoke with shared ways that the Emerson had contributed meaningfully to their lives. While we love our historic building, the heart of the Emerson has always been the people that fill it. Moving forward, the board has adopted a comprehensive plan so that we can continue to be a vibrant space of art, ideas, connections and community: ● We are bringing in a third-party non-profit consultant to identify how we can best improve ou

Oh Liz! I hear you and have been there. Nobody should scold a child in that manner. You deserve better. I’m so sorry for your experience. Do you wish to share details about that experience? [email protected] is taking people’s stories.

I’m so sorry for your disturbing experiences and that of your employees. You all deserve better! Since you remain anonymous, can you share details of some of the abuse you and your staff suffered? Thanks for you support.

I’m so sorry for your disturbing experience. You deserve better. As you remain anonymous, would you be willing to share details of your experiences on this platform? What did you witness? Were you ever made to do something against your better judgement? What was the worst experience you can remember during your employment? Thanks for your support and it’s understandable if you wish to not share anymore details here.

So sorry for your experience, Ben. Would you care to share any details about the interaction you had with the ED? It’s understandable if you wish to not drudge up the past unpleasantness of this interaction.

So sorry for your disappointment with the Emerson leadership. You deserved to be treated with respect and appreciation. Since you remain anonymous, would you feel comfortable sharing some details about your experience? It’s understandable if you don’t. Thanks for your support. Change is around the bend.

Hi Crystal. So sorry for your experience with the ED. Do you feel comfortable sharing more details about your disappointing experience? Thanks for your support. You deserve better treatment.

As you remain anonymous, would you be willing to share details of your experience? I understand if this platform feels too vulnerable. I’m sorry for your experience. You deserve respect.

I’m so sorry to hear about this disappointing experience. Thanks for sharing your story. Blessings on your marriage! May you prosper and shine.

Thanks for sharing. Would you be able to share about the experience your son had during his artist residency at the Verge? I understand if this platform feels too vulnerable to share. Nora Shelly at the Bozeman Chronicle is collecting stories from the community. [email protected]

Thank you for sharing your vulnerable experiences. I’m so sorry you experienced abuse. Hang in there. Change is on the horizon. Blessings on your situation. May brighter days be around the corner!

I understand your fear of retribution. It’s very real and possibly expensive. Hang in there. Change is on the horizon. Blessings on your work space! May your prosper and shine.

Hang in the Javier. Change is coming.

Since you remain anonymous, care to share what you endured? I understand if you don’t feel safe sharing so publicly. However, I feel this is the only way to create change. Thanks for your support in this important effort.

The findings from last year’s investigation into wrong-doings at the Emerson. The board only interviewed 5 people, leaving many stories untold. Derelict is the only way to describe this oversight.

Being that you remain anonymous, this is a safe place to share. Or, you can share your story with Nora Shelly at Bozeman Chronicle. [email protected] She is taking people’s stories.

Arts in America is already in trouble, to have a person that makes it even harder for people to appreciate what we have, and MORE IMPORTANTLY impact Donations to the organization.. that person needs to GO.. Petty Tyrants have NO place at The Emerson.. help save this wonderful place and ditch people that will do harm to this organization. Bozeman is still a SMALL town.. and donations dry up when people don't feel respected. Time to turn the page for new leadership.

Save the Emerson