American Alliance of Museums’ Post

At the risk of stating the obvious, most museum practitioners working today are not trained to invite and empower community members to be part of exhibition development processes. In fact, I see little recognition at administrative levels in museums that employee success in this area requires a specific set of skills that takes a lot of time, intention, and professional development to gain and that's in addition to whatever subject matter knowledge a position may require (a topic for another day). But I know from personal experience that good intentions coupled with poor training can cause harm. I love that Isabel Singer describes the inclusion of community voices as a continuum. The level at which a museum engages community voices ought to depend on the capacity they currently have to do the work as well as an honest conversation with community members about where they are on that continuum. But that should not be the end of the story. More training, more practice, more authentic relationship building over the long haul allows museums to grow, and the value and meaning it adds to our institutions is worth it.

Including my quote, which hopefully offers an insightful perspective.

As visitor expectations continue to evolve, so too must museum spaces. Gone are the days when museums were simply places to view artifacts behind glass. Today’s audiences seek interactive, personalized experiences that resonate on a deeper level. Adapting to these changing demands is essential for museums to remain relevant and engaging. This evolution involves rethinking traditional layouts and incorporating flexible spaces that can accommodate a variety of experiences, from hands-on activities to multimedia presentations. Creating adaptive museum spaces requires a balance between preserving the integrity of the collection and introducing new, engaging elements. It’s about understanding that visitors are not just passive observers but active participants in their learning journey. Whether it’s through modular exhibit designs that can be easily updated or creating communal areas that encourage social interaction, the goal is to create environments that are both inviting and intellectually stimulating. By staying attuned to the needs and desires of modern audiences, Riggs Ward Design helps museums transform their spaces into dynamic environments that inspire curiosity and foster lifelong learning. 📷 MUSE Winston-Salem #exhibitdesign #exhibitiondesign #exhibitdesigners #exhibitiondesigners #evolvingmuseums #museums #museumculture #museumprofessionals #communitydesign 

Art is as old as human history, but art museums as we know them are relatively modern institutions that have always adapted to reflect their times. No longer identifying themselves as stewards of artwork for people who can afford to collect it, many museums now embrace their nonprofit status to serve and engage the public at large. But how is such transformation reflected in museum operations, and how can museums leverage innovation to support their evolving missions? Read more: https://lnkd.in/eJ_AdjwD By Stephen Reily, Remuseum

🎨 **The Art of Curating: A Journey Through Time and Space** Hello, everyone! Today, I'd like to take a moment to appreciate the incredible world of art curation and research. 🖼️ Art curation is not just about selecting and arranging works of art; it's about telling a story, sparking curiosity, and creating an unforgettable journey for viewers. It's about bridging the gap between the artist's vision and the audience's perception. 🌉 In the realm of art research, we delve into the depths of history, culture, and human creativity. We uncover the stories behind every brushstroke, every chisel mark, and every creative decision. 🕵️♀️ Museums and art organizations play a crucial role in this journey. They are the vessels that carry these curated collections and researched stories to the public, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of art. 🏛️ As we move forward, let's continue to celebrate the beauty of art, the importance of curation, and the value of research. Let's continue to support our museums and art organizations, for they are the gatekeepers of our cultural heritage. 🎉 Stay tuned for more insights and discussions on these topics. Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let's engage, learn, and grow together in our shared love for art. 🙌 #ArtCuration #ArtResearch #Museums #ArtOrganizations #ArtAppreciation

Museums and libraries often feature rotating exhibits alongside their permanent collections. These temporary showcases offer a dynamic platform to highlight artifacts, stories, and themes that might not fit within the scope of permanent displays. From exploring niche topics to spotlighting emerging trends, temporary exhibits provide museums with the flexibility to stay current and experiment with new ideas. One of the most exciting aspects of temporary exhibits is their ability to address timely and relevant subjects. Whether it's a seasonal display at a nature center or an exhibit tackling pressing social issues, these installations offer visitors a fresh perspective on the world around them. Whether it's to spark dialogue, explore new narratives, or simply offer visitors something fresh and exciting, temporary exhibits can add vibrancy and depth to many museum experiences. If you're interested in exploring a new temporary exhibit idea, or thinking about converting a space into a rotating exhibit gallery, reach out to info@riggsward.com! 📷 "Two Hundred Years, Two Hundred Stories" at the Library of Virginia Silver MUSE Awards winner, 2023 #TemporaryExhibits #Temporaryexhibit #exhibitdesign #exhibitiondesign #exhibitdesigners #exhibitiondesigners 

A LETTER TO OUR MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JORRIT BRITSCHGI Rubin Museum of Art Dear Rubin Community, As we embark on our 20th-anniversary year, I’m writing to share important news about the next phase in the Rubin’s history. (...) After an in-depth analysis of the cultural sector and our important place in it, we have decided to fully embrace and pursue the model of being a global museum, serving the public locally, nationally, and internationally. In light of this new direction, we will close our New York City building this fall, and become a museum without walls. This has been a difficult decision, especially given the departure of some of the staff that have made this place so exceptional. Ultimately, this decision will allow us to serve more people, digitally and in person. (...) The art in our galleries teaches us that change is constant and inevitable. We take inspiration from this, as we boldly let go of an old model and redefine what it means to be a museum in the 21st century. We will build on partnerships and collaborations with people from the Himalayan region, diaspora, and beyond, and make our offerings available globally, supporting research, artistic expression, and creativity. Existing Rubin programs such as the pioneering Project Himalayan Art, which provides physical and digital scholarly resources for the study of Himalayan art with an exhibition traveling nationally, and our interactive Mandala Lab, soon opening in Milan, are only the beginning. While we’re becoming a global museum, we remain rooted in New York City. The Rubin’s Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning® curriculum, incorporated in partnership with Emory University, will serve schools and teachers in New York City and beyond through digital and in-person traveling Mandala Lab experiences, and will be expanded in the coming years. What will NOT change is our mission: to broadly share Himalayan art, its cultural context, and the insights it provides for humanity. We will continue to care for, study, and share our collection as the foundation of our organization through an expansive loan program, and we will keep on curating, creating, and traveling Rubin projects. We also hope to find a new permanent home for our Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room in New York City in the coming months. (...) While this change means letting go of our physical space in pursuit of a new model, our mission to advance the appreciation and understanding of Himalayan art globally remains as strong as ever. Please come and visit the upcoming Reimagine: Himalayan Art Now exhibition before October 6 and we invite you to continue to be a part of our journey in the decades to come.

History is never a one-size-fits-all situation, and neither is storage. With tailored solutions, you can easily manage diverse and growing collections. From colossal flags to delicate artifacts, discover how custom storage helps museums like the USS Yorktown Museum and the Delta Flight Museum preserve history: #MuseumStorage #ArtifactStorage #CurateWithCare https://hubs.la/Q02xfN6C0

More on my work with the Fort Caspar Museum. This article is better than the first one I posted.

🎨 Ever walked into a museum that's more like a creative playground than a treasure vault? Welcome to the world of non-collecting art institutions! 🏛️✨ Think of them as pop-up festivals for your imagination - constantly evolving, always surprising. Unlike traditional museums that say "Look, but don't touch," these dynamic spaces scream "Come in and be inspired!" 🚪 The Kunsthalle model, popular in Germany and Switzerland, is a prime example. Rather than hoarding masterpieces, these venues: • Create unique, time-limited experiences 🕒 • Showcase cutting-edge contemporary art 🎉 • Foster dialogue between artists and visitors 🗣️ Take moCa Cleveland or the New Museum in NYC - they're not just exhibiting art; they're incubating creativity! 🌱 By freeing themselves from the constraints of collection management, they can: -Take bigger risks with experimental art forms -Respond quickly to current events and trends -Transform completely for each new exhibition 🎥 Excerpt from virtual tour: Experience the ever-changing nature of these spaces as galleries transform from immersive light installations one month to interactive sound sculptures the next! It's like the difference between a library (traditional museum) and a book club (non-collecting institution). Both valuable, but one preserves while the other provokes! 📚💭 These museums don't just display creativity - they actively spark it! Visitors leave not just having seen art, but feeling inspired to create their own. They're not just observers; they're potential artists, thinkers, and innovators. 🎆 What's your take? Have you experienced a non-collecting art institution? How did it change your perspective on creativity? Let's start a conversation! 🤔👇 #ThoughtLeadership #Innovation #MuseumInnovation #CreativeSpaces #ArtWorld #Creativity