Museums and Community Engagement

Описание: The 21st century museum is a reflection of the communities around it and who it serves. How we connect and build bridges must also consider the absence and erasure of historically excluded communities. Museums are increasingly employing numerous strategies for engagement of previously underserved or marginalized audiences, but there is a very long road still to travel. Experts will discuss insights and practical ideas for such engagement programs and how they can be sustained.

Panelists:
Melanie Adams, Director, Director, Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum
Dina Bailey, CEO of Mountain Top Vision
Donna Sack, Vice President, Chief Program Officer, Naper Settlement

This program, recorded on November 19, 2020, was part of the Social Justice in Museums Series presented by the Illinois State Museum. This series of four online programs allowed the public to look closely at what is happening in American museums today, especially in light of current protests and violence we’re seeing daily. Museums are in this mix with frequent open letters, calls to action, resignations, and more.

The program was moderated by ISM Director, Cinnamon Catlin-Legutko. She is an advocate for museums and their intersections with social justice and activism, community development, and memory and remembrance. In this role, she is committed to inclusive museum practices that include empathy, acknowledgement of historic and present injustices, and promote healing.