Alliance Blog

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A New Way to See: Looking at museums through the eyes of the blind

By Samantha Silverberg

Let’s talk about accessibility. In the twenty-first century era of inclusivity, museums are working towards making the visitor experience a more positive and unique one, as part of efforts to increase the number of visitors to museums. In …
Double Duty: How a historic botanical garden reached a balance in managing its plant and art collections

By Jordyn Melino and Julianna Razryadov

All museums face many challenges maintaining and displaying their collections. But these challenges are exacerbated when collections of vastly different needs and care protocols share the same display space. At Phipps Conservatory and …
Handy Hobbies: Why diverse skillsets are an advantage to every institution

By Francesca Tronetti

Diversity is a popular buzzword right now: diversity in staff, in teaching methods, and ideas. However, one aspect of diversity I have never heard mentioned is diversity in skillsets. It’s worth considering the hobbies employees (and …
A conversation with Dr. Tonya Matthews, AAM’s interim director of inclusion

By American Alliance of Museums

Dr. Tonya Matthews is a national thought-leader in museum engagement, free-choice learning, and equity and inclusion in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). As interim director of inclusion, she will lead AAM’s internal and …
Museums and AI: Can You See the Future?

By Seema Rao

How is AI going to impact the future of museum work? How can museum professionals prepare for future technologies? What will be the next breakthroughs in AI technology for museums? This post, one of three on the topic of artificial …
Up On the Roof: The McNay Art Museum’s re-roofing project

By Christy Rhone

The McNay Art Museum in San Antonio, TX houses a world-class collection of more than 22,000 works by masters from around the world—Cezanne, Picasso, Matisse, O’Keefe and many more. The collections include: Medieval and Renaissance …
Resources and a New funding opportunity for museums—Help shape the future

By Leigh A. Grinstead

I’ve spent many years thinking about the future of museums and the field. Where are we going? What work is critical at this moment? What issues are bubbling up that we need to be aware of? Like many of you, I actively seek out information …
Listen to the Interns: The Importance of the “Budding Scholar” for Museum Decolonization

By Ashleigh Smith

As a junior in college, I think I might have found my calling—for now anyway. For the past two and a half years I have been studying Art History, Museum Studies, and African American History at Duke University. I’ve committed myself to the …
Congratulations, it’s a baby Professional Network!

By Claudia Ocello

Today, in conjunction with AAM and my brilliant colleagues Sarah Erdman and Dina Bailey, I’m excited to announce the arrival on the scene of a new Professional Network just for consultants, freelancers, gig workers–whatever you call …
Setting the stage for my career path: Maria Marable Bunch Excellence in Practice award winner reflects on her career.

By Maria Marable Bunch

Each year AAM’s Education Committee (EdCom) Professional Network recognizes outstanding museum educators and supporters, programs and resources that exemplify excellence. The 2018 Award of Excellence in Practice was received by Maria …