High Museum Expands Its LGBTQIA+ Photography Collection

The Atlanta museum acquired 19 new works to address the underrepresentation of LGBTQ+ artists in its collection.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in LGBTQ+

Bold vector editorial illustration of a gallery wall with empty mounting brackets, representing an art museum photography collection. — The High Museum of Art in Atlanta has acquired 19 works by five artists as part of a new photography initiative. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should your local art museum prioritize acquiring works from underrepresented groups for its collections?

In 2025, the High Museum of Art launched the LGBTQIA+ Photography Centennial Acquisition Initiative to diversify its permanent collection. The museum acquired 19 pieces by five artists, including Jess T. Dugan, Peter Hujar, Naima Green, Martine Gutierrez, and Catherine Opie.

Why it matters

This initiative directly responds to the historical underrepresentation of LGBTQ+ creators in institutional photography collections. By prioritizing these acquisitions, the museum aims to broaden the scope of artists represented in its permanent holdings.

The initiative resulted in the acquisition of 19 pieces, including five works each by Jess T. Dugan, Peter Hujar, and Naima Green. Additionally, the museum secured two works each by Martine Gutierrez and Catherine Opie.

The players

High Museum of Art

Located in Atlanta, this institution is one of the leading art museums in the Southeastern United States.

Jess T. Dugan

This artist is a photographer known for exploring issues of identity, gender, and sexuality.

Catherine Opie

She is an acclaimed American fine-art photographer recognized for her portraits and documentary-style explorations of American communities.

Naima Green

She is a contemporary artist and photographer whose work often centers on community and the documentation of diverse social groups.

Peter Hujar

He was an influential American photographer known for his intimate portraits of people, animals, and landscapes in downtown New York.

The details

The museum also accepted a donated 1930 portrait by the German photography duo ringl + pit, gifted by Adair White and Dr. Joe B. Massey. While the initiative represents a significant expansion, works by Gutierrez and Opie were recently removed from public view in 2026.

1930: Ringl + pit created the gifted portrait.
1973: Peter Hujar photographed Larry Rée.
1993: Catherine Opie originally published her self-portrait.
2025: The High Museum launched the acquisition initiative.
2026: Works by Gutierrez and Opie were recently removed from view.

Culture Shift

This move follows a broader trend in the art world to rectify the historical underrepresentation of LGBTQ+ artists in museum collections. It signals a shift toward more inclusive curation as institutions reassess their holdings to reflect diverse societal perspectives.

Visitors to the High Museum of Art can expect to see a more diverse array of photography reflecting LGBTQ+ experiences in future installations. While some works by Gutierrez and Opie were recently removed from view, the new acquisitions offer fresh opportunities for public engagement.

The takeaway

Institutional efforts to diversify collections provide a more comprehensive view of artistic history for the public. Viewers can support these efforts by engaging with exhibitions that highlight historically underrepresented voices in the local art community.

What happens next

A video by Jess T. Dugan is scheduled to be on loan at the museum for a forthcoming exhibition focused on the intersections of photography and memory.