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4th November 1944 12A
Sometime ago one of the Advisory Members of the Museum of Modern Art asked several artists to write their suggestions for better relations between artists and the Museum. I was one of those who wrote about it, because I believe that the Museum is a very important institution, not only to help artists, but to help educate the mass of people towards a greater cultural consciousness. I gave a great deal of thought and time, and finally sent my statement on March 5th, 1944. Perhaps I said a little too much. It was short, but I stressed very strongly my feelings about their attitude.
Later, at one of the openings at the Museum, I met one of the Advisory Committee men, and asked him whether they had received my letter. I was curious, because of all the artists who had faithfully answered their request not one had received even an acknowledgement of his letter. I don't know what happened, but he told me they received all the letters except mine. I really don't believe this, but for myself I want to record what I told them. I had a great many thoughts and ideas about what the Museum should be, but I condensed them, and felt that the following would be sufficient.
First I would like to put down a thought that has just come to my mind, as follows: The present tendency of the Museum is towards unhealthiness and mysticism, too one-sided, without broader representation, especially of younger artists. The policy of the Museum seems confused. There has been a definite change of course since the Museum was founded. The present drawing exhibition, or any drawing show, is a swell idea and welcome at any time. However, their method of selecting material from the contemporary artists seem curious, and cannot help disappointing. Drawings are valued by artists very highly,