§80n Commission for the Museum of African Art

Summary

Creates a Commission for the Museum of African Art to give advice and help the Museum’s Board about running the museum, its collections, and its programs. The Commission has fifteen members chosen by the Board. The Secretary and an Assistant Secretary of the Smithsonian are additional, nonvoting members. For the first term, the Board must appoint at least ten people who were Museum trustees on October 5, 1978. New members must include representatives of African descendants in the U.S., collectors of African art, and scholars of African art and culture. Members serve three-year terms. After the first group, terms are staggered so one-third end after one year, one-third after two years, and one-third after three years. Vacancies are filled for the rest of the term, and members can be reappointed. A majority of appointed members is needed for a quorum. Members are paid back for travel, lodging, and other necessary expenses. The Commission picks officers every two years and makes its own bylaws.