I work at a small history museum with over 55,000 objects of local
importance.  I report to a collection committee which acts as an advisory
panel for collection activities that include exhibitions.  An exhibition
committee functions as an operating committee within the collection
committee and reports to the collection committee on its activities.  As
curator, I manage or oversee all collection and exhibition activities.  Both
committees give me advise or help when I need it.  I sometimes feel I could
do things quicker without having to report to others but no one person,
especially in a not-for-profit, should should make decisions alone.  If the
committee makes a decision based on my recommendation, I feel like I have
support and can share the responsibility if something should go wrong.  Its
a kind of protection.  Hopefully, your committee will agree with your
philosophy.
Tom Edmonds
Andover Historical Society

-----Original Message-----
From: Rena Minar <[log in to unmask]>
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.museum-l
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Tuesday, March 09, 1999 12:05 PM
Subject: Art Museums-Board Committee for Exhibitions?


>My Board of Directors has from time to time discussed having a committee of
>the Board for Art Exhibitions (not collections or acquisitions--this is
>separate and already exists).  I believe that this is a staff role at a
>private, not-for-profit art museum and not a Board function.  I understand
>that University Art Museums often have this committee because of the
>academic part of their mission.  I'd like to know about other
non-university
>art museum experiences with this issue.  Do you have this type of
committee?
>What do they do, and what is their job description?  What are the pros and
>cons?  If you have a Board committee, how do you avoid micromanagement?  I
>would appreciate any input.
>