Forum: Museum

Museum at dusk

MUSEUM/HNRC 300VH-002
THURSDAYS, 5-6:45 p.m., SPRING 2019
CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART

Students: here is the Honors College Forum application form. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. Thursday, October 25, 2018.

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art’s mission is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. How does the museum work to fulfill its mission? How would you go about it? In this Honors College Forum, students will meet at the museum with its Strategy Team for an insider’s view of Crystal Bridges and the challenges and opportunities we encounter as we lead the museum into the heart of the 21st century. 

Through the lens of current Crystal Bridges projects, the class will dive into current and emerging issues in museums, such as:

  • The role of technology in an object-centered field 
  • What is a museum’s responsibility for social good and positive change?
  • What does “welcome all” look like? How can we make the museum more diverse, equitable, and inclusive?
  • How can a museum be relevant to its many audiences?
  • How can art drive economic development and sustainable tourism? 
  • How can a museum impact the public education system?
  • How do exhibitions further a museum’s mission? 
  • What’s the role of a museum’s collection?
  • What’s the best way to work together for mission-fit outcomes?
  • What are best practices for presenting controversial art and subjects?  
  • What does success look like in an arts nonprofit, and how does fiscal stewardship work in a public charity?

Through readings, discussion and collaborative projects, students will gain an understanding of how Crystal Bridges works and the challenges and responsibilities of museums, their leaders and their teams. Class participation plays a big role in this class. Students from all disciplines are encouraged.

What's in it for you?

  • Gain an understanding of the challenges and responsibilities of museums, their leaders and their teams
  • Learn about the inner workings of our very own Crystal Bridges from the people who make it happen
  • Collaborate with students and professionals from a variety of disciplines

What's expected of you?

  • Active participation in all class discussions and projects
  • Work behind-the-scenes in the museum 
  • Contribute to the museum's vision in the arena of university education

 

This course will be led by a team of experts representing the gamut of museum support and management, from information technology to landscaping, financial planning and curation. Meet the Crystal Bridges Strategy Team here.