Art Pro Net Podcast

As some museums begin opening and some exhibitions go through changeovers, we are all looking for new ways to work.  This has lead to a major shift in the way loans are being couriered and cared for on the road. In this episode, I look at what to think about when you consider a loan, and how to structure a virtual courier trip.  It is about preparing, planning, and communicating clearly.  Also, knowing your objects well enough to talk someone through installation rather than showing them how it is done.  I hope this show helps you figure out how to be there when you aren't actually there.

Between the falling ash on the West Coast and the movement to outdoor activities, outdoor sculptures will become a big part of our planning in the next year.  This episode looks at some of the basics you should take into account when planning new installations and looking at your existing collections.  Remember that just because the work is huge does not mean it is indestructible. Outdoor works need regular care, maintenance, and planning for every aspect...especially the unexpected.  Let us know if we can help you look closer at your outdoor collection needs, and how to solve them at [email protected].

Long before COVID caused a full stop, museums were pulling back on staffing and ramping up on programming. In the last few years, there have been protests by museum workers, union organizing, and massive drops in morale at museums everywhere. Now with the mass layoffs and social justice movements of 2020 people are speaking out about the toxic work environments that cause burnout, alienation, and an unprecedented exodus from our industry. There has to be a new way forward and it means stopping the culture where the expectation is to always do more with less. Museums need to create space for people to feel successful in their role, and to understand what other people contribute. We cannot do that if we continue to push people to the point of burn out and animosity. In this episode, I explore what I see as some of the biggest issues with old strategies and how I think we can start finding a new direction.

Long before COVID caused a full stop, museums were pulling back on staffing and ramping up on programming. In the last few years, there have been protests by museum workers, union organizing, and massive drops in morale at museums everywhere. There has to be a new way forward and it means stopping the culture where the expectation is to always do more with less. In this episode, I explore what I see as some of the biggest issues with old strategies and how I think we can start finding a new direction.

Our industry will need more qualified managers soon, and many art pros are interested in stepping up to the next level.  The truth is, you can be a rockstar in your niche but it does not mean you are ready to manage.  Realize that your role will change in many ways, and you need to be ready.  In this episode, we look at the soft skills, and changes you need to know about to become a team leader.

Our industry will need more qualified managers soon, and many art pros are interested in stepping up to the next level.  The truth is, you can be a rockstar in your niche but it does not mean you are ready to manage.  Realize that your role will change in many ways, and you need to be ready.  In this episode, we look at the soft skills, and changes you need to know about to become a team leader. The most important aspect is..management is way more than a little extra admin work.  You should pursue it with intentional expectations and goals.  Ask the advice of those that you respect who have already made the leap, and prepare yourself for what can be a jarring but rewarding shift.  Be well and always feel like you can reach out. [email protected]

Many of our spaces are closed down for the foreseeable future and those of us still involved in collections are maintaining and caretaking for our facilities. It is a good time to remind ourselves of the 10 Agents of Deterioration, and how they can inform our planning and prioritizing.  The last time I worked for an institution that had to shut down for a long time was after a natural disaster, and I was an intern. Safeguarding against these agents is the only way to responsibly manage our collections.

Many of our spaces are closed down for the foreseeable future and those of us still involved in collections are maintaining and caretaking for our facilities. It is a good time to remind ourselves of the 10 Agents of Deterioration, and how they can inform our planning and prioritizing.  The last time I worked for an institution that had to shut down for a long time was after a natural disaster, and I was an intern. Safeguarding against these agents is the only way to responsibly manage our collections.

On this July 4th weekend I'm taking stock of where we are in the museum community.  The intersection of layoffs and the fight for social justice has given me a lot to consider, and I see that in all of this change we have a massive opportunity. Now is the time to make our art institutions a place where people from all backgrounds and communities want to be.  It is up to us to make the change.  Be well and be safe.

On this July 4th weekend I'm taking stock of where we are in the museum community.  The intersection of layoffs and the fight for social justice has given me a lot to consider, and I see that in all of this change we have a massive opportunity. Now is the time to make our art institutions a place where people from all backgrounds and communities want to be.  It is up to us to make the change.  Be well and be safe.