A former head of academic programs at the V&A Museum has accused the institution of systemic racism and cultural insensitivity. In a letter shared with The Art Newspaper, Yuko Kikuchi detailed experiences of pushback on her proposals and feelings of marginalization among senior staff as the only person of colour.

The allegations extend to microaggressions and a Eurocentric curriculum that she felt undermined her efforts at decolonizing education. Kikuchi's letter includes signatures from a dozen academics and student testimonials, highlighting further instances of cultural insensitivity and racial discrimination within the museum.

In response, both the V&A and RCA have assured they will support a global and inclusive curriculum, but critics argue these promises are insufficient in addressing deeper issues of systemic racism. The museum has previously faced similar accusations from Year 10 schoolchildren in Bristol, who petitioned for an apology from the institution.

Director Tristram Hunt acknowledged the need to interrogate colonial heritage through public programmes and collections research. However, his stance on repatriation remains constrained by the 1983 National Heritage Act, a law he has criticized as outdated and restrictive.