While the AAM accreditation process might appear to be an insurmountable challenge at first glance, this session is intended to empower small museum staff with the information they need to achieve the field’s highest honor. Now more than ever, accreditation can help our small museums thrive amidst a changing socioeconomic landscape by improving our organizations and boosting donor confidence. As such, this session will explore AAM’s accreditation process through first-hand case study alongside audience participation. Come prepared with your questions—and your own advice—to share with attendees.
Time is precious and since Covid began people have been more selective about how they spend it. Volunteers don’t have to spend their time with us, and don’t owe museums anything. Knowing that, how do we recruit volunteers and create a community that keeps them coming back? In our discussion we will learn how to identify and prioritize needs, understand and engage volunteers, and empower volunteers to fulfill your mission.
Join the staff of the Lakeshore Museum Center as we discuss three initiatives that were designed to make the museum an effective community resource. We will start by looking at a way to bring a successful program outside the Museum walls, and then share about two programs where we work alongside our local correctional facility to welcome people who are incarcerated to utilize the museum in different ways. One program provides a welcoming visitation location for women and their children/grandchildren, and the other is an exit-program for men returning to the community from incarceration. We will talk about funding, the challenges, and the successes of these programs.
How the Muskegon Museum of Art used a rebranding campaign to reposition itself for the next generation by bridging the gap of honoring a rich heritage while embracing contemporary trends. This session will outline the processes, strategies, and challenges faced in rebranding a cultural institution and illustrate why having a strong brand creates a big impact.
Final description coming soon.