Kera Collective

As we wind down for the year, we’re taking time to reflect and recharge. Kera Collective will be observing a communications pause from December 15 to January 15. Wishing you a peaceful and joyful holiday season—we’ll see you in the new year!

How do our attempts to remain neutral impact the work of museums and museum evaluators? Museums have long been seen as places of objectivity, but is that truly possible—or desirable? In Emily’s latest Learning Hub post, she explores how the myth of museum neutrality can shape evaluation practice. At Kera Collective, we've wrestled with the idea of neutrality in our own work. We know it's not easy to navigate—it’s often messy, complicated, and uncomfortable. However, we've found that leaning into this complexity allows us to make more thoughtful decisions and achieve more meaningful outcomes. We’d love to hear how navigating neutrality has shaped your work. How has it influenced your choices, your challenges, or your successes? 👀 To read Emily’s article click here: https://lnkd.in/gUaKHH5s #DEAI #NeutralMuseums #Evaluation

This month, we’re reflecting on the importance of cultural context in shaping human experiences. Whether assessing cognitive development, measuring program impact, or designing community spaces, context influences everything—from how we interpret behaviors to how we foster belonging. The Marshmallow Test and other predictors of success have bias built in, researchers say | Shared by Hannah Heller, Ed.D., written by Carolyn Y. Johnson  🔗https://lnkd.in/eqtEC6B3 Storytelling Evaluation Methodology | Shared by Ebony Bailey, Ph.D., written by Old Fire Station 🔗https://lnkd.in/dFpdsg9U 🔗The Guggenheim as Third Space: Accessing Community and Contemplation in a Place of Privilege | Shared by Rachel J., written by Toni L. Griffin  🔗https://lnkd.in/dvQrG6zJ #CulturalContext #CognitiveDevelopment #ProgramImpact #ThirdSpace

At Kera, we’re excited to be working with several art museums to explore how their audiences engage with and find meaning in interpretation—mostly through wall text. This focus on interpretation feels like a growing trend across the field. We think much of this momentum is thanks to the Association of Art Museum Interpretation (AAMI), a relatively new professional association. AAMI is “dedicated to the understanding and advancement of interpretation within art museums,” and it’s no surprise that the rise of this organization coincides with museums taking a deeper, more critical look at their interpretive practices. Stephanie and Ebony had a fantastic time attending the AAMI Convening in New York City this October. They were honored to contribute to this exciting and important movement! #MuseumAudience 

Ever wondered how museums gather meaningful visitor insights to shape future exhibitions and programs? Rachel’s recent Learning Hub post dives into essential tips for conducting visitor interviews with warmth, clarity, and empathy! From creating a welcoming environment to fostering honest dialogue, this post shares actionable strategies for museum professionals to make the most out of visitor feedback. https://lnkd.in/gxSnUbWn

This month, we’re highlighting a past Learning Hub post, Lessons Learned: Understanding DEAI as a Daily Practice, by Ebony Bailey, Ph.D.. The article explores key takeaways ABOUT incorporating diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) into everyday museum practices. From small shifts in perspective to systemic change, this article explores actionable ways institutions can move beyond performative gestures to truly embody DEAI values every day. 💡 Read more about how to make DEAI a consistent, impactful practice: https://lnkd.in/gMNQZuBr #DEAI #Museums #DiversityEquityInclusion #InclusiveMuseums #CulturalInstitutions

This month’s Moment of Wonder comes from Amanda, who recently visited Niagara Falls. “Over Indigenous Peoples’ Day holiday weekend, we took a multi-generational family trip to Watkins Glen, NY and Niagara Falls, NY, and Ontario. I fondly remember traveling to these places as a child with my grandparents, aunt, mom, and dad. I was happy for my child to have that experience with her grandparents too. These places welcome tourists from all over the world to experience these ‘natural wonders.’ As an adult, I still find these places wondrous, but also feel a sense of sadness and guilt as I reflect on the unnaturalness of these natural places.” #MomentOfWonder #NiagaraFalls #IndigenousPeoplesDay #IndigenousPeoplesMonth

For us, evaluation isn’t just a tool—it’s the spark that drives transformation. 💫 #MuseumEvaluation

🔍 Exploring Orientalism in Museums: How does the West shape perceptions of the "Orient" and what role do museums play in reinforcing or dismantling this narrative? In a throwback Learning Hub post, Lina unpacks Edward Said's concept of Orientalism, its historical roots, and its ongoing influence in art museums. This is a critical lens for advancing DEAI work and fostering more nuanced, equitable representations. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/g38aUr6h #DEAI #Museums #Orientalism #EquityInMuseums #CulturalRepresentation

Earlier this month, Cathy presented remotely at the 9th International Conference of The Observatory of Audiences in Catalonia, which was hosted at the Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona. Her talk, titled "Formative Evaluation for Exhibition Development," explored how formative evaluation supports the process of crafting audience-centered exhibition texts. Want to learn more? Click on the link below. https://lnkd.in/gt7qsywF #ExhibitionDevelopment #FormativeEvaluation #AudienceCentered