Tashae Smith Joins North Carolina Museum of Art as Assistant Curator of African Art

RALEIGH, NC—The North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) has appointed Tashae Smith as its new assistant curator of African art. Smith, who brings a wealth of experience in curating and research, previously served as the Andrew W. Mellon Curatorial Fellow at the Chrysler Museum of Art and Hampton University Museum in Norfolk, VA.

“We’re excited to welcome Tashae to the NCMA team,” said Valerie Hillings, NCMA director. “With our 2022 reinstallation and expansion of the African art collection, we remain committed to showcasing both traditional and contemporary African and African diasporic art. Tashae’s expertise will play a key role in further developing this vital part of the People’s Collection.”

Smith holds a BA in history and museum studies from Manhattanville College and an MA in museum studies from SUNY Oneonta’s Cooperstown Graduate Program. Her career has focused on African and African American art, with a special emphasis on community engagement and educational programming.

As a Mellon Fellow, Smith curated two acclaimed exhibitions: I Am Copying Nobody: The Art and Political Cartoons of Akinola Lasekan and Sankofa: Constructing Modern African Art. The City of Newburgh Human Rights Commission recognized her innovative work with the Black Pioneer of Newburgh Award.

“I am thrilled to join the NCMA and continue to build upon its exceptional African art collection,” Smith said. “This is an opportunity to deepen the Museum’s representation of both traditional and contemporary African artworks.”

Smith will lead the Museum’s African and African diaspora art initiatives, overseeing the permanent collection and related programming. The NCMA’s African art collection features works from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Africa, offering a rich exploration of the continent’s diverse artistic traditions.

The Museum began its African art collection in the 1960s with a focus on sub-Saharan objects. It has since expanded to include contemporary works, reflecting a global approach to African art. With Smith’s expertise, the NCMA looks forward to further enriching its offerings and connecting with broader audiences.