Innovation by Necessity: Problem Solvers and Museum Futures

In recent years, museums have received pushback regarding low wages, stagnant policies, and exclusionary practices, and have seen an uptick in both professionals leaving the field and collective labor movements. These issues now cause us to envision new strategies that address the structure of these institutions themselves. The multiple and often overlapping challenges–economic, social, organizational, and climate-related—facing the arts and cultural field have resulted in system change experiments and organization-specific innovations. While these shifts are often driven by testing circumstances, the creative opportunities for future museums are enormous.

This session seeks to explore and highlight the work of the problem-solvers who are tackling these concerns and shaping what critical theories, practices, procedures, and approaches are necessary and effective to enact for lasting, more equitable institutions. The CAA Museum Committee invites case studies and presentations on these issues by exploring systems change, internal reorganization, alternative funding models, sustainable practices, labor and compensation, careers and mentorship, and internal or external collaborations. This panel will focus on sharing research, case studies, actionable strategies, and needed reflections from many facets and viewpoints that can translate across the museum field.