A good example of this would be the art museum in Lafayette, Indiana, which
changed its name twice in five years after a generation with its original
name.  Obviously the first change didn't work out so well for them.

For more information about the naming sequence and the reasons therefor,
contact Graeme Reid, Curator, [log in to unmask] (at least I think this is his
email...I've lost track!)

Julia Moore
Indianapolis Art Center
(formerly the Indianapolis Art Students' League, then the Indianapolis Art
League Foundation, then the Indianapolis Art League; current name has
existed since 1993.  Changes have been due to a progressive expansion of
mission:  each additional perception of value to the community was
accomopanied by a name change.  Email me offlist for the full story)


-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Pamela Sezgin
Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2001 11:50 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Museum Name Changes


Dear Listers,

Once again, I need your advice.   I'm working with a medium-sized art museum
that is considering a name change, after 12 years with its original name
that
reflects its
municipal affiliation.   The new name would better reflect its collections
policy and emphasize the museum's desire to be a regional organization,
rather than just serving a local constituency  (city/county).

My questions to you:

1)  Have you worked at a museum or had experience with a museum that changed
its name?

2)  What were the positive outcomes of such a name change?

3)  What were the negative outcomes?

4)  Did the new name attract different audiences?  If so, who were they?

5)  Did the name change have a neutral impact on audience and financial
development?

6)  Did the name change alienate past funders and supporters?  Why?

7)  How was the new name introduced in the community?

8)  What kinds of marketing tools were used to pre-test the impact of the
proposed name change?   What type of sampling technique was used or how big
of a sample size informed the decision-making process?

Your comments and experiences on this subject will be most appreciated.

Cordially,
pamela sezgin

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at
http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed
information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message
to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help"
(without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to
[log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff
Museum-L" (without the quotes).

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).