But, unless I'm
>mistaken, collaboration within the communiyt between museums
>does not happen as often as it should.

This is to some measure true, and a number of granting agencies are
recognizing it.  To "force" museums to collaborate within their communities
(especially with non-museums), they are setting aside funds that are only
available to projects demonstrating high-quality collaborations.

We do a lot of collaborations, and a lot of them are with non-museum,
non-arts organizations.  It's trying at times to make them understand why
our rules and protective measures are the way they are and why we need so
much lead time for projects, but ultimately it results in mutual respect and
enlarging audiences for both groups.

As far as not competing with other groups for events, we are frequently so
conscientious about it that unfortunately we end up scheduling things for
times that are "blank" for a reason--spring break, vacation season, etc.
Sometimes you just have to compete for audiences, and occasionally it makes
you work harder and smarter in order to succeed.

Julia Moore
Indianapolis Art Center