Museums are increasingly confronted with difficult choices about whether and when to take a public stand regarding current events and emerging challenges. How can directors work with boards and staff to make thoughtful decisions about issuing statements or taking concrete action? How do mission and values guide when a museum speaks out?

The Japanese American National Museum (JANM) in Los Angeles has tackled these questions firsthand, issuing public positions on multiple occasions this year, from a January statement defending history, democracy and civil rights to an August press release decrying the appearance of federal agents during California Governor Gavin Newsome’s visit to the museum’s Democracy Center.

JANM President & CEO Ann Burroughs will join Center for the Future of Museums Director Elizabeth Merritt to share insights into JANM’s approach. Their conversation will seed small group discussions, giving attendees the opportunity to consider how their museums are preparing to respond to similar challenges.

The statements and opinions expressed by panelists, hosts, attendees, or other participants of this event are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of, nor are endorsed by, the American Alliance of Museums.