Museums Moving Forward’s Post

NOW AVAILABLE: The Journal of Museum Education 49.2 - THE ROLE OF DOCENTS: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE From Guest Editors Elizabeth Wood, Kim Tulipana & Brandi Shawn-Chaparro: "We believe this is a timely issue because finding solutions is often left to individual staff. This issue can provide the next step in a dialogue and discussion on the needs and roles of docents in museum practice. The articles include perspectives on the current state of docent programs and how museum educators are wrestling with those ideas, a glimpse at the history of docent programs, and a fresh and new perspective on the future. Also included are perspectives on docents as adult learners, a broad look across changes in docent programs nationally, and a series of case studies on innovative approaches and challenges." Members can check out the issue now at museumedu.org #museumeducationroundtable #museumeducation #museumeducators

📚 #NodeRecommendation: "The Constituent Museum. Constellations of Knowledge, Politics and Mediation: A Generator of Social Change" edited by ohn Byrne, Elinor Morgan, November Paynter, Aida Sánchez de Serdio, Adela Železnik. This book explores what would happen if museums placed relationships at the core of their operations, offering a critical and experimental analysis of education, mediation, and interpretation within museums. Rather than viewing visitors as passive recipients, the publication sees them as active participants, sparking facilitation, provocation, and inspiration. It situates these practices within the socio-political and organizational contexts, aiming for an integral, interdisciplinary understanding. Key topics include ownership, power dynamics, collective pedagogy, co-curation, digital engagement, collaboration, and the role of archives, addressing broader societal issues such as precarity and the value of co-labor. Published by Valiz #ArtBooks #InstitutionalCritique #SocialArt #ArtMuseum #TheConstitutentMuseum #ArtEducation #ArtMediation #ArtTheory

SNEAK PEEK Yesterday, members of the Slow Looking Club got an exclusive first look at the 10 Questioning Practices featured in my upcoming book, The Art Engager: Reimagining Guided Experiences in Museums. We even used one of them, The Perspectives Triangle, to explore this photograph by Imelda Schoutens. Questioning Practices are intentionally designed structures that foster engagement and inquiry in guided museum experiences. Tailored specifically for the museum context, they offer adaptable ways to spark meaningful discussions around art and objects, encouraging observation, critical thinking, and personal discovery. The 10 Questioning Practices in my book are versatile, flexible, and can be adjusted based on the object, audience, or programme goals. What makes them unique is that every time we use a Questioning Practice, we infuse something of ourselves into it - whether it’s our personal style of asking questions, facilitating discussions, or creating a welcoming atmosphere. I can’t wait to share all 10 with you in just a few weeks!

We are now accepting abstracts! Considering submitting your project to Viewfinder, an #NAEA publication on museum education and social justice. Viewfinder is currently accepting abstracts and proposals for Issue 19, which will focus on the theme of Co-creation in Practice. Co-creation is a strategy rooted in the idea of community and serves as a method of decolonizing museums. This practice is especially important when it entails giving voice to individuals who are typically marginalized within these institutions. Issue 19 of Viewfinder centers around the various obstacles and achievements encountered in the process of co-creation in museum education practice. We invite museum education professionals, scholars, and students at all levels to submit an abstract or proposal centered around the concepts of co-creation in museum education, with a focus on social justice. The deadline for submission is July 7, 2024. Viewfinder is an online publication focused on the intersection of museum education and social justice from the National Art Education Association’s Museum Education Division. More information: https://lnkd.in/gQ2M5tXh

It has been 10 years since the last Journal of Museum Education (JME) issue focused on #evaluation. What have we learned since? Share your work with #museum colleagues today! Looking forward to co-guest editing this issue with Hannah Heller, Ed.D. The Journal of Museum Education invites articles for this issue that examine innovations in the intersection between museum education, evaluation, and audience studies and that reflect contemporary scholarship on the topic. Specifically, we are interested in new ways for museum education practitioners at any level to implement evaluative thinking into their processes – not just at the end of a program, but throughout. What are we curious to understand about the audience experience that we don’t already know? How do these curiosities reflect what our visitors are also curious about? How can we resist a transactional relationship with visitors, staff, and volunteers? How do we ensure that our data is actionable, and ultimately supports our missions to serve our audiences better? How can “my” questions become “our” questions? Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eAY-SM8B. #museums #evaluation #research #audiences #museumeducation #visitorstudies #datadriven Museum Education Roundtable (MER)

How can museums build a just future? AAM's Voluntary Repatriation, Restitution, and Reparations project brings together a diverse group of writers to envision possible futures for repatriation and restitution. The resulting collection includes opinion pieces, predictions of where current trends and events might lead us in the future, and fiction that immerses readers in these possible futures. We hope to inspire change and empower museums to disrupt outdated practices with these visions of potential futures. 📖 Read the Next Horizon papers collection: https://lnkd.in/eu7Pztsm

We are now accepting abstracts! Considering submitting your project to Viewfinder, an #NAEA publication on museum education and social justice. Viewfinder is currently accepting abstracts and proposals for Issue 19, which will focus on the theme of Co-creation in Practice. Co-creation is a strategy rooted in the idea of community and serves as a method of decolonizing museums. This practice is especially important when it entails giving voice to individuals who are typically marginalized within these institutions. Issue 19 of Viewfinder centers around the various obstacles and achievements encountered in the process of co-creation in museum education practice. We invite museum education professionals, scholars, and students at all levels to submit an abstract or proposal centered around the concepts of co-creation in museum education, with a focus on social justice. The deadline for submission is July 7, 2024. Viewfinder is an online publication focused on the intersection of museum education and social justice from the National Art Education Association’s Museum Education Division. More information: https://lnkd.in/gQ2M5tXh

Last week, I attended the Museum Association conference in Leeds. One of the sessions I attended was about the work of the Anti-Racist Wales project where museum practitioners talked about their experiences of working on the project. Here are a few useful take-aways from an interesting presentation that I’ve been thinking about: A collections review can give you a new perspective on what you already hold. Start with familiar or everyday objects. What can you unpick about them to widen their stories? Don’t let the fear of offending people cause paralysis, but do your homework and keep an open mind. Think about your cultural competency. Give lived expertise and experience the credit it deserves but be careful about making assumptions about expertise or interest from community groups - communities are not homogeneous! Widening narratives is core work, it needs time and resource. The project-based nature of how funding is allocated is a challenge, but the real legacy of project funding is a change in practises and approaches. When we look at collections from multiple angles, everyone benefits and we all learn more.

Summer is a great time to get organized for fall and start developing a habit of planning! If you aren't getting together to plan with your co-workers yet, download my free museum planning calendar and start today. Having the conversation will ensure that everyone is on the same page and that each department's priorities are aligned. Here's the link: https://lnkd.in/eSngTc_E

🌟 Why creativity matters more than ever 🌟 I recently came across this blog from Arts Council England about their “Let’s Create” strategy, and it really resonated with me. It’s a powerful reminder of how creativity and culture can transform not just individuals, but entire communities. The work being done through “Let’s Create” is a testament to the impact of inclusion, collaboration, and innovation in the arts. It’s exciting to see such a clear vision for a cultural future where everyone—no matter their background—has the chance to thrive creatively. This isn’t just about art; it’s about connection, opportunity, and building a sustainable and inclusive future for everyone. If you’re passionate about the power of creativity to make a difference, I highly recommend giving this a read: https://lnkd.in/eKbpZJsg #Creativity #ArtsAndCulture #LetsCreate #CommunityImpact