Art Pro Net Podcast

Have you ever had a conversation about collections access that left you feeling like a damp rag? Do you constantly get accused of being too restrictive? Here are my top 5 concepts to consider when setting up your protocols for storage or any collections care processes. Protocols should be created with the goal of stewarding the collection so that it lasts as long as possible, and in the end, creates more access rather than less. Learning how to explain that to your peers and critics can help establish a clear process that you can be confident will be sustainable.

Deciding to become a collections manager is the first step, but the second is even more important...deciding what kind of collection you want to care for. If you choose cultural heritage objects you need to be ready for more than just the logistics of the collection. You also have to care for the spirit, intent, and cultures it represents. In this episode, I discuss collections care beyond the physical, and things to consider before you decide to join a team at a cultural heritage museum.

Attending and participating in the PACCIN Conference this month allowed me to take in many fantastic insights and perspectives, but one thing was driven home for me more than any other...We as a community need to start working on pushing forward and evolving how we build our teams and manage our processes. Expectations are changing with each generation and we need to find ways to build our profession into a career and not just a stepping stone to another part of the museum world. We need to participate more in all aspects of the planning processes in our organizations and elevate our positions past the perception that we are simply a tool. This episode is about asking for what we want and expanding our options for the future.

Post-COVID networking can be overwhelming, but now is the time to revive your connections. Whether you are just starting out, or you have had a strong network in the past, getting out there and making contact can be intimidating. This episode is all about what you should consider when reviving your networking goals. If you can focus on being genuine and respectful of those you are reaching out to you will find a community waiting to support you.

Do you find evaluations excruciating? Do they cause you anxiety and fear? If they do then there is one thing you can count on, you are doing them wrong. In this episode, I talk about something I hear people worry about, complain about, dread, and despair over...annual evaluations. Too often this process is used as a punitive popularity contest that is lorded over staff. Listen in to find out how to remove some of the pain, and make it a process about the potential and not punishment.

Oftentimes collections managers are considered the "Art Cops" of our industry. We are seen as the wet rags that add stop signs to the planning of exhibitions and collections care. In this episode, I would like to propose another way to look at the restrictions that dictate our protocols... instead of them being interpreted as elements that stop creativity they are a launching point for innovation and improvement! It is through the understanding of our industry, and the regulation's origins that we can push past them and make things even better. We need to collaborate at the beginning of a design process, find integrated solutions to our work, and contribute to a solution. If we start from a dismissive place where we discount one another, then we really will stop progress and get trapped in a box. Don't you want to be the solution? Let me know how Art Pro Net can help you with solutions and innovations. [email protected]

For my first "Nuts and Bolts" episode this season I am getting into a sticky topic. We all walk the fine line using tapes and adhesives in our work. Knowing when, what, and how to use these materials can mean the difference between safely caring for your collections and causing irreparable damage. In this episode, I take a look at maintaining clean processes, avoiding migration and transfer, and some key tips on what types of tapes and adhesives are best for packing and displaying objects. I even take a look at some key ways to reverse unintentionally sticky situations. Hope that this helps you create processes you can use with confidence. Also, don't forget to visit www.artpronet.com today and sign up to receive our free newsletter!

In this episode, I continue my quest to help you answer the question... "What do I want to do in a museum? Believe it or not Curatorial and Collection positions make up a small sector of the staff you need to make a museum functional. Without the Money Makers in Development, the Image Makers in Communications and Marketing, the Frontlines and Operations staff, and many others our museums would literally not be able to exist. You might already have the experience and skills to work in a museum, you just need to know the different areas where talent is needed. Also, I discuss the totally misguided perception around these positions and how we as an industry need to get rid of the archaic blue-collar vs white-collar mentality that causes people to discount these vital positions.

Many think that 2022 is the year of The Great Resignation, but I think it is the year of The Great Leverage. More than ever people are willing to consider new scenarios and changes in the workplace. So before you leave consider asking for what you need to make a change for the better. In this episode, I explain how to think through researching a position, crafting an argument, and building a negotiation strategy. There are ways to present the changes that you need to your senior management team and get their attention and buy-in. Remember that with a clear ask, solid prep work, and compromise, you have a great chance at success.

The Art Pro Net Podcast is back for the 4th season! After a few months hiatus of running recruitment and working on a refresh, this episode is all about first impressions. What you say in your applications is important, but how you say it is even more valuable. Find out some of the top things to consider, look out for, and work to avoid in your applications. It could make or break how you are perceived and received by hiring managers.