Melynda S. Benlemlih, MA, ACC’s Post

We are honored to be part of the team working on Ferris State University's new Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery, the first of its kind. This $22 million, 26,000-square-foot facility will house over 30,000 artifacts, serving as a powerful space to confront America’s history of racism and celebrate resilience and resistance. Reflecting Ferris State’s longstanding commitment to equity and sustainability, the museum will also embody environmentally conscious design, ensuring its impact extends to future generations. Set to open in Fall 2026, this transformative project will educate and inspire visitors, students, and policymakers from across the nation. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gs3WmUPk #FSU #JimCrowMuseum #FerrisStateUniversity #catalystpartners #sustainability

“Whether you’re eight or eighty, you want your world to work for you.” This quote from the “Unlimited by Design” exhibition at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York encapsulates the spirit of universal design. The same conditions for everyone, no matter their age, rather than special solutions for the select few. But what is behind the term “universal design”? How does the approach, which is at once both innovative and universal, address the challenges of demographic change? Read More at https://lnkd.in/gk8mxavQ

“Whether you’re eight or eighty, you want your world to work for you.” This quote from the “Unlimited by Design” exhibition at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York encapsulates the spirit of universal design. The same conditions for everyone, no matter their age, rather than special solutions for the select few. But what is behind the term “universal design”? How does the approach, which is at once both #innovative and universal, address the challenges of demographic change? Read more at https://lnkd.in/g4NCaG_q

The Met’s Next Masterpiece… The Metropolitan Museum of Art is boldly stepping into a new chapter with the $550 million Oscar L. Tang and H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang Wing for Modern and Contemporary Art. First announced a few years ago (video) and designed by the trailblazing architect Frida Escobedo (Taller Frida Escobedo) —the first woman to lead such a commission in The Met’s 150-year history—this project is more than just a new wing; it’s a redefinition of the institution’s ethos. Set to break ground in 2026 and open by 2030, the new wing symbolizes a reimagined relationship between history and modernity. With eco-friendly green roofs and enhanced community collaborations, including partnerships with the Central Park Conservancy, The Met is creating a space that bridges generations while inspiring fresh perspectives on art and culture. As The Met embarks on this exciting new chapter, it stands as a powerful reminder that history and innovation can harmoniously coexist to shape the future of art and culture. 🎥 CBS Mornings / CBS Artsy: https://bit.ly/3VAEgNZ

When Glenn Lowry, the director of The Museum of Modern Art, confesses to sleepless nights worrying about the institution's finances, it's a wake-up call to the art world: The road ahead for museums is paved with innovation, risk-taking, and an openness to failure, as they reassess traditional funding models and public engagement strategies.    In a recent Museums Journal feature, Aurelie and Leslie explore this landscape of uncertainty and delve into the pressing need for systemic change in the arts sector.    Key Takeaways: ▶ Transparency isn't just a virtue—it's a powerful tool for building trust and securing long-term support. ▶ Inviting donors to understand the real challenges we face can lead to more meaningful engagements and investments. ▶ Navigating the arts funding crisis requires innovative thinking and a shared vision for the future.   The strategies we adopt today will define the cultural legacy we leave for tomorrow. What steps can we take to ensure that museums remain vital centers of culture and education? How can we creatively address financial constraints while staying true to our missions?   Thank you, Museums Association, for echoing these questions. Join the conversation and help us pave the way towards a more sustainable and collaborative future for museums.   #Art #Philanthropy #Museums #ArtsandCulture #ArtWorld #GivingBack #Sustainability

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#WikiWEEX Did you know who was the first to introduce the topic of accessibility in the museum world? In the 1920s, John Cotton Dana was the director of the Newark Museum, a prominent museum just outside New York City that remains open today. Today, Dana is remembered as one of the first to develop significant reflections on accessibility and the sense of community that every museum should aim to promote. Among his famous quotes: “A department store, easily accessible and open at all hours, perhaps tells us more than a good art museum and all the museums we have created so far.” If you are interested in learning more about accessibility in exhibition design, don't miss our dedicated training program. The first course will focus on exhibition design, and registration is now open. 📍 Course: Progettare per le persone: allestimenti accessibili 14-16 Febraury 2025 🔗 [LINK] https://lnkd.in/dDdUCCTd - #WeExhibit #AskWeex #ArtIsInTheProcess #WEEXFormazione #TrainingSeries #Formazione #ExhibitionDesign #ExhibitDesign

"It isn't just about what big business or governments do... we came to realise that museums have got a really significant role to play in reaching a very large number of people," says Dr Andy Gritt, Head of Humanities, and Dr Rebekah Pickering Wood, Senior Lecturer in Museum and Heritage Studies, of Nottingham Trent University, in relation to their work on museums and sustainability, in partnership with the Framework Knitters Museum in Ruddington, Nottinghamshire. #Sustainability #Museums #HigherEducation

⭐ National Windrush Museum Signs Historic MOU with University of Greenwich and The University of the West Indies ⭐ The National Windrush Museum (NWM) has taken a monumental step toward advancing #education, cultural #heritage, and historical #research by signing a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Greenwich (UoG) and the University of the West Indies (UWI). This landmark agreement follows the groundbreaking initial signing ceremony held at the #HouseofLords on 24 November 2023 between National Windrush Museum and Royal Museums Greenwich The signing held at UofG was graced by distinguished figures, including Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, Andrew Westby, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Greenwich, and NWM Founder and Chairman. Dr Les Johnson PhD. This agreement will lay the foundation for a series of collaborative initiatives to celebrate, preserve, and explore the rich legacy of the #Windrush generation and its contribution to global history. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our Autumn Series of events. As you can see, there is much more to come 🎉🎉🎉 #watchthisspace and stay updated at our website: https://lnkd.in/eqrrbaay

We are looking for YOUR ideas about sessions for #NEMA2024! The theme of this year's conference, taking place November 6-8 in Newport, RI is "We the Museum: Toward a 'More Perfect' Vision for our Changing World." As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, now is a time to reflect on both the origin of America’s museums, and consider the field not only in its current state, but where it has grown from the past, and what it can be in the future. Just as America was by no means perfect at its inception, neither was the museum field. While the U.S. Constitution seeks a “more perfect union,” how can we work towards a “more perfect” museum world? How can we be better, if perfection is out of reach? Do you have a great idea for a session unrelated to the conference theme? We want to hear those too! Submit your session proposals by March 29, 2024. Click here for details: https://ow.ly/RxM150QQmvz