Chabrina Williams, Director of Retail, Buyer, Consultant

Our highbrow + brilliant map = https://whitney.org/map

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Just wrapped up two incredible conferences in Baltimore- the American Alliance of Museums and the MSA - Museum Store Association. 🖥 Firstly, if you missed my session on AI Essentials For Your Museum Store, you can find the resource list here: https://lnkd.in/ePQC4Brv 💃🏽 Secondly, yes, that was me dancing and swag surfin’ at the Port Discovery Children's Museum. My Puerto Rican roots might have been showing, but the dance floor is my favorite place to network. ❤️ This year’s topic of wellness encompassed products, staff, visitors, and the communities we partner with. My brain is buzzing with inspiration for museum stores that can both raise revenue and highlight mindfulness. Plus, I was able to catch up with old product partners and discovered amazing new vendors that left me waxing poetic. 🖼 Have you heard of neuroaesthetics? It's an interesting concept that explores the wellness benefits of the spaces we create using design, art, music, and more. Susan Magsamen, author of Your Brain on Art, shared the fascinating idea that we can universally appreciate a beautiful landscape but have differing reactions to manmade spaces. Now to see how I can turn my office space into the feeling of a mossy Northwest forest. ⏩ Plus, there were awesome sessions on failing forward (because let's face it, innovating takes some failure along the way) and the incredible partnerships museums & mission-driven organizations have with their communities. Feeling energized to help museum stores not only thrive but make a positive difference! #MuseumStore #RetailTherapy #CulturalCommerce

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Creatives Rebuild New York released a call to action developed in collaboration with dozens of colleagues working to advance sustainable livelihoods for arts and cultural workers. ➡️ Find AEEP working group recommendations HERE - https://lnkd.in/ea6iNgDw — I’m honored to join a dynamic cohort of thought leaders, art practitioners, and professionals from various sectors in navigating the process of shaping an artist’s and cultural workers’ bill of rights. Through this participatory process, we aim to create a framework that safeguards artistic expression and extends protections and support to areas beyond artistic practice. We aim to establish a more equitable and sustainable environment where artists are professionally and personally supported. Codifying these protections into an authoritative document strengthens artists' rights and sends a powerful message about the value of their contributions and the importance of their welfare. — Artist Employment Working Group made six strategic recommendations: - Deepen the analysis of AEP programs nationwide - Develop tools, resources, and guidance for future artist employment programs - Create a national research and policy center focused on artists’ lives and livelihoods - Pilot a national worker cooperative for artists and cultural workers - Develop an artists’ and cultural workers’ bill of rights - Convene state policymakers who are committed to creative workforce development We hope these recommendations harness and direct the interest of artists, advocates, and political leaders nationwide to help advance systems and policies for better employment opportunities.

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Given the tough financial realities that the arts and culture sector faces right now, new types of sharing models are starting to emerge. It’s a hopeful sign that we can transition away from a competitive mindset and into new collective and networked ways of working.

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feel free to share: Community Collections Grant Writing Workshop The Maryland State Archives is hosting a free event designed to make the grant-writing process easier for individuals and small groups working to digitize collections. This is specially designed for individuals and smaller historic/heritage groups, but all are welcome. Registration is required. Please sharing this with anyone who might be interested, and reach out with any questions. Community Collections Grant Writing Workshop Monday, June 17, at 10:00 am - 1:00pm Presented by Nancy Melley, Program Director for the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) Location: Maryland State Archives Free registration required Are you or your organization looking for funding for a digitization project? Whether you are new to the process or have done it before, this program will teach you about possible funding sources and give you a chance to learn more about the application process. This three-hour workshop will introduce attendees to the competitive archival grant programs at the National Archives, which are made through the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC). The primary emphasis of this workshop will be on the Access to Historical Records grant program. Learn more about the program here. Attendees will have the opportunity to read and comment on two sample applications as part of the review process. They also will learn general tips that successful applicants have used to strengthen their applications. The workshop also will offer attendees the opportunity to start designing their own project and application package: defining project scope, devising a budget, developing a work plan, and preparing an application. Nancy Melley, a program director from the NHPRC, will help participants understand the grant application process, including the components of a good project summary, narrative, budget, and supplemental materials. The instructor also will discuss the review process, the response phase, and Commission recommendations.

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This is the big question- the arts cannot continue to focus on saving the world externally at the expense of our workforce- that work has to start internally first. Dismantle toxicity, challenge power-centered leadership models, support staff, build leaders, we have a lot of healing to do with our teams- we MUST do this work first before we tackle the external deliverables.

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A discussion of natural diamonds with a brief background on color, formation, famous diamonds, and other stories 💎 all through a super engaging podcast and companion blog :)

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 Relevancy and value. Are you relevant, and do you have value? Upgraded Museums Add New Value to College Campuses https://lnkd.in/eEyZEFUm

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Future/s in the context of museums has many meanings and it's important to know which one someone is talking about. Future Oriented Museums use the tools of professional futurists and foresight practitioners to develop exhibitions and programs. Other museums create content about what they see as "the future", but often not by using the tools of foresight. Finally we have discussions about the "future of museums", which also rarely uses the futurists toolkit. If you think that's confusing, next time we can talk about "pasts"! #wordsmatter

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Here are seven common mistakes that emerging designers might make in the art world👇: 1️⃣ Failing to research the history of an artwork, which can affect authenticity, value, and legal ownership. 2️⃣ Choosing artworks without considering how they fit within the intended space, and also WITH EACH OTHER—resulting in pieces that don't make sense in their surroundings. 3️⃣ Not considering how different lighting can alter the appearance of artworks and their impact on a space. 4️⃣ Prioritizing personal taste over the client’s style and preferences, which can lead to dissatisfaction and undermine client relationships. 5️⃣ Not developing effective negotiation skills to secure artworks at the best prices or under the best terms. 6️⃣ Failing to consider the long-term care requirements of artworks, which can lead to deterioration and loss of value. 7️⃣ Focusing too heavily on current trends rather than choosing timeless pieces that maintain relevance and value. 👋 Ready to dive deeper and refine your art sourcing skills? Click below to get started with my Free Guide to Art Curation or DM me 'INFO' to learn more about my exclusive course for designers! https://lnkd.in/gfWx2_bc #artworld #emergingdesigners #artmistakes #artbuying #authenticityinart #artandinteriors #clientfocuseddesign #arteducation #designercourse #curatorialmethod

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Museums are most successful when they achieve multiple objectives simultaneously. However, as one of the few remaining spaces where we can immerse ourselves in contemplation amid commercialization, consumption culture, and the experience economy, these institutions should carefully consider their approaches to revenue generation.

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The Spring 2024 issue of Exhibition journal is now out. “Alternative Realities” surveys many ways exhibitions can question existing systems and open pathways to new and more equitable futures. At a time when what divides us can feel almost insurmountable, authors share how they are harnessing hope, challenging prevailing narratives, and upending established museum practices as they seek to reshape our vision of what is possible—within and beyond the museum. Exhibition is a journal of exhibition theory and practice for museum professionals published by the American Alliance of Museums. To learn more about the journal, this issue, past issues, and how to subscribe, check out: https://lnkd.in/eE5Vm9hR #museums #exhibitions #exhibitiondesign

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Advice for Aspiring Museum Curators: Insights from Informational Interviews In my role as a museum curator, I often provide guidance to aspiring curators through informational interviews. Pursuing a career in curation? Consider these key points: - Education matters: A master's degree in art history, museum studies, or a related field is crucial. Specializing can make you stand out, but being a generalist has its advantages. Consider courses in conservation, archival science, or digital technologies. - Practical experience is essential: Seek internships, volunteer roles, or entry-level positions in museums to gain hands-on experience in research, artifact handling, and exhibition planning. - Build a diverse skill set: Beyond academic knowledge, focus on developing strong research, communication, and technical skills to excel in the field. - Networking is key: Attend professional events, connect with established professionals, and engage in informational interviews to expand your network and industry knowledge. - Stay informed and adaptable: Keep up with industry trends and be open to new advancements in curation and conservation. Exploring different museum roles can create more opportunities in the future. Becoming a museum curator is a challenging yet rewarding journey. By prioritizing education, practical experience, skill development, networking, and staying updated on industry trends, you can pave the way for success in cultural heritage preservation and interpretation.

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The Evolution of Museum Audiences in the Digital Age: A Decade of Dramatic Change (part 3) Social Integration The integration of social media within the museum experience has transformed visitors from passive observers to active participants. Museums encourage visitors to share their experiences online, broadening their reach and engaging with audiences beyond their physical walls. This not only amplifies the museum's presence in the digital sphere but also fosters a sense of community among visitors. Challenges and Opportunities This shift has not been without its challenges. Museums have had to adapt quickly, allocating resources to digital innovation and wrestling with the balance between technology and tradition. However, this evolution presents unparalleled opportunities for museums to expand their audiences, engage with visitors on new levels, and redefine the cultural landscape. As we look to the future, the role of museums as custodians of culture remains unchanged, but how they fulfill this role has to change rapidly. Museums must become dynamic spaces where history, art, and technology intersect, offering experiences that are as informative as they are engaging. The last decade has changed our audiences to which museums have to respond by providing suitable methods to disseminate information educate, and entertain. Provded that these changes are made, the future of museum experiences is bright and boundless. In conclusion, the dramatic change in museum audiences over the past decade, driven by the rise of smart screen technology and a demand for dynamic media, marks a pivotal moment in the history of museums. As institutions navigate this digital frontier, their success will hinge on their ability to blend tradition with innovation, ensuring that the museum of tomorrow can captivate the audiences of today. Let's talk and demonstrate some of the methods with which we can help you accomplish that essential transformation, #madsystems #alice #lory #quicksilver #av++ #MANY2024 #nextin2024

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One of my favorite aspects of working at the Library of Congress is digging into the digital collections and discovering new material. Check out this blog post I wrote about my wide-ranging flower-themed explorations! https://lnkd.in/eTutQekD

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Have you ever facilitated a museum experience where no one wants to ask any questions? You want to encourage participation, interaction and wondering and yet, despite your best efforts, no one is asking any questions. Why? Understanding the reasons behind the silence is key. Here are six factors that can silence curiosity and questioning.

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