One of the benefits of hosting a virtual conference, as AAM is doing with the continuation of the 2021 Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo on June 7-9, is that it introduces a bunch of new digital tools to the experience, which allow for new forms of interaction and sources of information. This year, one of those tools is a digital program book, which allows attendees to mark down which sessions and events interest them and keep track of all the bounty more easily. As we look forward to next week’s flurry of presentations, celebrations, and conversations, we thought it would be fun (and perhaps helpful) to share which upcoming programs have caught the eye of the most attendees. Without further ado…
1. Keynote – Sandra Cisneros, Chicago Author & Artist
Sandra Cisneros is a Chicana writer and artist whose work explores the lives of the working class. Following her keynote, Carlos Tortolero, Founder and President of the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago, will join the virtual stage for continued conversation.
June 7, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM CDT
2. Keynote & Panel – Bryan Stevenson
Bryan Stevenson is the founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative, a human rights organization in Montgomery, Alabama. He is a widely acclaimed public interest lawyer who has dedicated his career to helping the poor, the incarcerated, and the condemned. In this keynote session we’ll explore the responsibility museums have in playing a leading role in the nation’s truth and reconciliation, including the confrontation of museums’ own troubled pasts, the colonial and racist foundations upon which many were built, and the resulting structures that endure.
The keynote presentation will be followed by a panel discussion:
The Truth Starts Here: Museums’ Role in Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing
During this watershed moment in American racial history, we must find the courage to own our past, our truths, and shed negative myths. This conversation between experts, will explore museums’ role in reckoning with the United States’ history of native genocide, slavery, and racial injustice, with a focus on racial healing and transitional justice.
June 7, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM CDT
3. #AAM2021 Opening Networking Event
Chicago’s funniest comedy talent from The Second City is bringing #AAM2021 attendees a fun-filled evening. You will be joining The Second City in creating a singular online experience as your suggestions influence every aspect of this interactive, playful, hilarious performance. The Second City cast is taking your suggestions, so be there to get in on the laughs from wherever you are.
June 7, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM CDT
4. 60 Ideas in 60 Minutes: Sizzling Ideas in Audience Engagement and Inclusion
A new twist on an old favorite! Join the Public Relations and Marketing (PRAM) Professional Network, Visitor Experience Group (VEX), and International Audience Engagement Network (IAE) for a fast-paced session highlighting fresh ideas in audience engagement from organizations large and small.
June 7, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM CDT
5. Leveraging the Legacy: Bringing a New Digital Experience to New Audiences
Join this session to hear how the Universal Hip Hop Museum, in partnership with Terentia, is kicking off a project to leveraging its legacy to create an enhanced store of objects and metadata allowing for future experimentation and rapid prototyping of new physical and digital experiences.
June 7, 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM CDT
6. More Than Words: Solidarity Statements and Action
When it comes to structural racism, museums must be honest about their past mistakes, including how they will address them and what they believe in now. Sites of Conscience members will discuss their museums’ statements in response to the Black Lives Matter movement. The statements speak to the vital role of allyship in advocacy movements and can assist museum leaders in supporting justice.
June 8, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM CDT
7. Is That Hung White? Revisiting Issues of Race and Inclusion in Exhibitions
There is an increasing need for frank conversations about the role of race and inclusion in museums and their exhibitions. This engaging session will celebrate successful initiatives, and discuss tackling the challenges of exhibitions that continue to be Hung White.
June 7, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM CDT
8. Captivating Young Adults and Paving the Future of Museum Engagement
Looking to increase attendance and stay ahead of shifting demographics in your market? In this interactive session, explore actionable tactics to engage young adults in your community. Take away steps to adapt these strategies and tackle changing demographics at home.
June 7, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM CDT
9. 45 Million Tactile Images to Change the World: Increasing Accessibility & Inclusion for All
Join us for an engaging discussion on accessibility and inclusion with leaders from Getty Images, The National Federation of the Blind, 3DPhotoWorks/Tactile Images, as well as museum professionals, and educators. In January 2021, Getty Images, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), and 3DPhotoWorks/Tactile Images created a historic partnership to deliver more than 45 million tactile images to the world’s blind and disabled in museums and institutions worldwide. The NFB also announced that they would be granting $500,000 for the creation of tactile exhibition displays. Learn how you can utilize these resources at your institution. This presentation highlights tactile imaging technology and experiences which allow individuals who are blind and disabled to develop an intimate connection with a wide range of visual and graphic material. Panelists will discuss the opportunities in making the visual experience multisensory across modalities, create inclusion and accessibility irrespective of ability/disability, provide unique educational perspectives, and discuss grant funding opportunities for tactile exhibitions.
June 7, 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM CDT
10. The Inclusive Museum Leader
Social justice as the role of museums has often been championed by frontline staff and staff from younger generations. Hear from the authors of and contributors to the new book The Inclusive Museum Leader, which serves as a call to action to museum leaders everywhere to join the movement. Discover practical actions that leaders can take to start moving their museums toward an inclusive future.
June 7, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM CDT
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Are the sessions recorded? I am unable to attend tomorrow’s programs.
Hi Sue,
Yes they are! They are available for registered attendees on the conference platform as soon as the sessions end and will stay up for thirty days after the meeting.
Where do I find information on design space for a small museum?Jam