§80n Commission for the Museum of African Art

Summary

Creates a Commission to advise and help the Museum’s Board about running and growing the Museum, its collections, and its programs. The Commission has 15 members chosen by the Board. The Smithsonian’s Secretary and an Assistant Secretary also serve as members. For the first term, at least 10 appointees must be trustees who were serving on October 5, 1978; those initial members each serve three years. After that, members serve three-year terms and the Board must include representatives of African descendants in the United States, collectors of African art, and scholars. The Board will stagger terms so one-third leave after one year, one-third after two years, and one-third after three years. Vacancies are filled for the rest of the term. A majority of appointed members makes decisions. Members are paid back for travel and other needed expenses. The Commission chooses officers every two years and writes rules to run its work.