SERVICES

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OUR RESEARCH

In 2022, according to the Mellon Foundation, 73% of arts-leadership positions are held by white people. But by 2045, it’s expected that people of color will make up the majority in the U.S. Across industries, we’ve seen efforts to narrow the gap—DEIA training and diversity hires. But decades of exclusionary practices cannot be undone overnight. And with new opportunities, comes new challenges. Traditional HR protocols have been hard-pressed to keep up with a rapidly evolving landscape, and arts organizations rarely have standard HR practices in place. To this end, arts organizations are under-resourced in their efforts to support the new employees who are being invited into the halls of power like never before. And unfortunately, lack of support leads to high turnover, low morale, and undermined long-term vision—all of which have an effect on the bottom line of a business. Specifically, it costs a company 1/3 of the salary of the person who has departed. Furthermore, according to the Work Institute, in 2021, 69% of turnover was for preventable reasons.

And when employees win, the institution wins.

As we continue to strengthen relationships with leaders, experts, and talent across relevant industries, VERGE will gather insights and connect the dots. We are committed to sharing information that stands to positively affect the change we seek.

Stay tuned here for research updates, or for opportunities to partake in research efforts.

OUR SERVICES

VERGE works with art galleries and museums (clients), aligning full-service recruitment and human resources support, while nurturing and empowering talent from the people of the global majority throughout their art career.

VERGE works with clients to identify the “right fit” and goes a step further, working with new hires and the hiring institutions, post-placement. VERGE provides ongoing and regular check-ins to new hires, while providing tailored HR support, workshops, and consultations with hiring institutions, ensuring both sides are set up for success.

Services we offer to exceptional talent

Services we offer to exceptional art organizations

TESTIMONIALS

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“Lise and Juila have been incredible thought partners, allies, and an invaluable support network as I’ve navigated a career transition.

What I find particularly special about Verge is their thoughtful and intimate 1-on-1 style; and the long-range, long-term support they provide to and through an offer—they still make themselves available to support even after you’ve been placed. 

It’s easy to lose your confidence in this industry, and your way. Verge has helped me to reorient and regain mine. Now, I see so many more possibilities in what can feel like a vast, unknown career-change frontier. I’ve already recommended Verge to several industry colleagues, and will continue to!” 

— Briana Pickens, Arts and Cultural Professional, Chicago
Verge Talent

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“Verge, has been an invaluable anchor during a critical time of transition for our organization. Verge seamlessly collaborated with both our staff and board, helping us set clear priorities, cultivate a positive and inclusive work culture, and establish systems of care that are often overlooked in the art and nonprofit sectors. Their work culture assessment, analysis, and tailored recommendations have been instrumental in our growth, providing a solid foundation for sustained success. Verge’s support has set up user-friendly, inclusive people and culture systems that truly reflect our values. We couldn’t have navigated this period of change without their guidance, and we are deeply grateful for their expertise and commitment.”

— Nellie Scott, Executive Director of the Corita Art Center, Los Angeles
Verge Client

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“Working with VERGE was an exceptional experience. Julia and Lise were attentive, responsive, and truly invested in connecting me with opportunities that aligned with my values and goals. The in-depth reports they provided gave me insights I would never have found on my own, allowing me to make informed decisions. Their care and commitment to diversifying and strengthening the art industry is inspiring and evident in everything they do. I would recommend them without hesitation to anyone looking for a true partner in building a meaningful career in the arts.” 

— Arts Professional, New York
Verge Talent

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“We came to Verge with a research question, to which they provided a brilliant report — but what stood out most was how much time they carved out to listen to our needs, understand the parameters of what we wanted to explore, and propose additional avenues that we hadn't even considered.”

— Heatherwick Studio, London
Verge Client

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