Widening the Circle
DEAI programs in museums evolve internal systems so that external policies and programs reflect the communities that museums are for, creating a greater impact for us all. In this issue of Museum, explore the growing impact of DEAI efforts and how museums are coping with a backlash movement toward DEAI.
Preview select articles from this issue of Museum below!
Individual and Museum Tier 2, Tier 3, Ally, and Industry Members can access the full digital edition, which includes all articles, more news from across the field, and other features including news from the team at AAM.
In this issue:
From the President
Building a Bigger Tent
“Museums impact communities across the country, serving as critical infrastructure… When lack of funding forces a museum to scale back hours, or even close permanently, a big public outcry is rare. If we’re serious about being at the center of our communities, and receiving the funding and support that this merits, that needs to change. DEAI programs are, at their heart, about addressing this problem. I believe we can frame our work to help even skeptics see that it is about expanding our field, not shutting anyone out.”
» Read the full column, an introduction to the issue from AAM’s President and CEO, Marilyn Jackson.
(Re)Centering Shangri La
Feature | Free to Read
by Kristin Remington
Hawai’i’s Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design took a community-focused approach with its “8×8” exhibition.
Remembering the ‘A’
Feature | 🔒 Member Login
by Beth Ann Balalaos
The Long Island Children’s Museum has focused on accessible programming for people with disabilities—and grown its audience along the way.
The Trajectory of Change at the Witte Museum
Feature | 🔒 Member Login
by Marise McDermott
The guiding principles of diversity, equity, access, and inclusion are integral to museum relevance and community engagement.
DEAI from the Front Lines
Feature | 🔒 Member Login
by Grace Stewart
Museum DEAI professionals talk about their accomplishments, challenges, and more.
Diversifying Collections
Point of View | 🔒 Member Login
by Anne Kraybill
Art Bridges is equitably redistributing art across the country through art sharing and community engagement.
November/December 2024 issue
By the Numbers:
Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion at Museums
» Statistics from AAM’s Museum Board Leadership Report shed light on opinions about DEAI at museums.
53%
Museums that have a written diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion statement.
9/10
Museum board members feel that board diversity and inclusivity is important to increase the organization’s ability to advance its mission overall.
66%
Museum boards that have agreed that it is important to incorporate diversity and inclusion into the organizations core values.
» For more on this topic, explore the Museum Board Leadership: A National Report (AAM, 2024).
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Coming Up:
January/February 2025 – TrendsWatch Issue
March/April 2025 – Accessibility
May/June 2025 – Museums & Trust (our 2025 Annual Meeting theme)
July/August 2025 – Artificial Intelligence, with pitches due February 24, 2025
September/October 2025 – Collections Stewardship, with pitches due April 28, 2025
November/December 2025 – Visitation, with pitches due July 1, 2025
» Explore the Editorial Calendar for potential topics under each theme.