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Museums have long been regarded as bastions of knowledge, preserving and presenting the rich tapestry of human history, art, and culture. However, as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of inclusivity, it becomes imperative to question whether these treasure troves of human achievement are genuinely accessible to all.

Historically, museums were often perceived as exclusive spaces, catering to specific demographics and failing to represent the diverse narratives that weave the fabric of our society. Fortunately, the winds of change are blowing, and museums are actively engaging in transformative practices to become more inclusive.

Image courtesy of The MacArthur Memorial

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Amanda Williams, Director of the MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk, VA. Amanda graduated from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College with a B.A. in History & Art History and later earned her M.A. in History from Old Dominion University. She began her career as an Archaeologist at Historic Jamestowne before serving as Education Manager for the MacArthur Memorial. She specializes in military history and women’s history and is also the host of the MacArthur Memorial Podcast and the World War I Podcast.

Museums often rely on prestigious traveling exhibitions to meet numerous goals, including connecting their communities to artwork people may not otherwise be able to see up close. These exhibitions rely on the ability of museums to loan art and objects to each other.

Part 3 of 3 in a series of articles, which are excerpts from the keynote address made on May 24, 2023, by Steve Keller at the security conference held at the Taft Museum of Art, Cincinnati.

Part 2 of 3 in a series of articles, which are excerpts from the keynote address made on May 24, 2023, by Steve Keller at the security conference held at the Taft Museum of Art, Cincinnati.

Part 1 of 3 in a series of articles, which are excerpts from the keynote address made on May 24, 2023, by Steve Keller at the security conference held at the Taft Museum of Art, Cincinnati.

Art Sentry just released an extensive 26-page “Museum Grants 2023 Guide” that includes insights about grant writing and highlights many public and private grants for museums and cultural properties.

Our goal is to assist museums that are looking for ways to pay for projects like staff training, infrastructure updates, and new technology.

Museums and Cultural Properties are uniquely positioned to play a meaningful role in promoting social justice and shifting their platform as one for combatting racism and promoting social justice issues.

Here are some of the best practices museums and their counterparts use today to fight racism and promote social justice.

Earlier this month at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., a group of climate activists threw paint on the case protecting Degas’ Little Dancer. Incidents like this have been on the rise worldwide over the last several years, and they represent just a small fraction of the growing list of challenges facing the teams tasked with protecting our world’s greatest cultural treasures and the many people who care for and visit them every day.

Museums, art, and cultural institutions often hold a history heavy in Western and Euro-centric views. Additionally, these cultural centers haven’t always been equally accessible to everyone within the greater community.