Dear Cindy and Jason:

I am managing the re-accreditation of the Harvard University Art Museums and
explored that same question.  It seemed like it was fairly irrelevant to
their funding stream - rather like the Smithsonian seeking accreditation.
Quite to the contrary [and these are my words and my interpretation], both
the University and Museum board and management believe that it is critical
to their funding and credibility because maintaining the accreditation is
akin to maintaining their integrity as a top-notch museum.  It places them
the enviable position of not having to answer questions a normal federal and
foundation grants officer would ask [and I know as I was one for many years]
about transparency, public trust, management structures, strategic planning,
collections management, staffing, facilities, accountability and all of
those concerns.  It bestows accountability upon you, which is what a federal
grants officer is charged with discovering.  They cannot give out tax payer
money without knowing that you will use it well and wisely.

To my thinking, obtaining the re-accreditation once you have been accredited
is a 'no brainer' and is much easier than starting from scratch.  

To address your issue of what your institution really is, HUAM is a
collaboration of 7 entities, 3 of which are museums.  Fairly complex and
confusing, especially layered onto the University.  Also, it has scheduled a
closing date in 2008 so that the facilities can be completely rehabbed.  AAM
is used to dealing with such complexities and has given us good advice on
how to proceed on both fronts.  If you have doubts, though, ask the staff at
the AAM.  They are great, and very happy to help you sort through the pros
and cons.  

If I can help with other questions, let me know.   

Alexandra W. Rollins
Nonprofit and Arts Management
24 Goodrich Road
Jamaica Plain, MA  02130-2005
617-524-6007; fax 6037
www.rollinsupton.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Jason Dennison
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2007 1:23 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Accreditation and grant success

Please respond to the list
 

=Jason Dennison=
 


-----Original Message-----
 
Our mission is to discover, protect, and revitalize the architectural
and related cultural heritage of the Rochester region, and to educate
and inform our community about that heritage.
 
We are due to start our re-accreditation process with AAM.

My administration is asking me about the value of accreditation when it
comes to receiving financial support.

It seems to me that without accreditation, we would not be successful at
federally funded grants.  Do you think that's a valid assumption? What
about other sources?

We have other issues to face with accreditation - we are an organization
with a diverse mission, not strictly a museum - and I am not talking
about whether or not to maintain professionally appropriate standards
(we do, and will continue to do so.)  but right now I'd like to keep my
question to the list simple.

What is your experience with the monetary value of accreditation? 

Thanks -

Cindy Boyer


Hurricane on the Bayou, now showing at The New Robert D. Lindner Family
OMNIMAX Theater. You'll be blown away by this moving message about the
importance of wetlands conservation and the dire consequences resulting from
the destruction of the Louisiana bayou.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition sails again at Cincinnati Museum Center;
50% larger than before and featuring more than 300 new artifacts recently
recovered from the Titanic wreck site. Through May 6, 2007. Welcome aboard!

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