What this is about...

I started this blog because I have a strong interest in strategic planning, increasing revenue while maintaining organisational integrity, and making museums engaging places that are accessible to the widest audience possible. It is my goal to start conversations or trains of thought that can help museum stakeholders improve their organisation.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Chicago's Newest Exhibit: Bridezillas

Chicago's Art Institute is one of the hundreds of museums that rents space to generate funds. Recently, they installed a mural by Pae White that covers the windows along the popular terrace that many brides hope to host receptions on. The brides are not taking this sitting down (and not just because its cocktail hour!).

I, for one, am a bit agog at the idea that you can rent an art museum and then make a complaint when it displays art. There are about 10 couples at the time of the article who are making a formal complaint about the work obscuring the windows on the terrace. Fine, I understand, you saw it one way and you would like it to stay that way. I've planned a wedding, I have no problem with the idea that you would like to get what you pay for. They are expensive, and an important opportunity to put forward a good impression with your new family and friends.  That said, if you are the kind of person that likes to manage every detail, maybe a museum isn't for you.

'"This isn't against the artist themselves; it is an amazing opportunity for them," Gonis said. "But in fairness, the institute needs to keep in mind the other individuals who have contracted the space."' So now the venue supposed to put its program of display on hold because the renters don't like the art in the art museum? I am very uncomfortable with what this means for museums. I hope (and assume) that the Art Institute will keep the mural up and stick to their guns about content and presentation. This isn't content censorship. This is about people who think that because they paid a bit of money, they should have some say in how the museum is run on a transactional basis. If AI caves, this sets a dangerous precedent!

Comments, as always, are welcome!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

A Quick Rundown

So I haven't been keeping up much. Lots of articles get read, like this one about the AAM conference's first ever community service project, reflecting the trend in museums' expanding definition as a community space, or "Deciding What Not to Do", which came to me in two forms: here and an article I read in the Economist or somewhere that basically covers the same ideas abut on a personal level. The truth is, I haven't been doing as much work with museums in the past couple of months and am starting to feel a bit unengaged. I feel like its a good time to get some fresh perspectives out, so keep an eye on this space for a guest blogger or two.